Black workers have experienced a recent increase in job-related deaths, reaching the highest rate in almost 15 years.

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations recently released their 2024 Death on the Job report, which revealed a troubling trend for Black workers. According to the report, the job fatality rate for Black workers has reached its highest point in 15 years. This information was made public on April 24, as part of the 33rd annual Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect review.

The main goal of this report is to shed light on the current state of job safety and to raise awareness about any areas where improvements may be needed. By analyzing safety standards and suggesting policy changes, the report hopes to address the critical issues within the workforce that lead to injuries and deaths. Unfortunately, the statistics for Black workers are cause for concern.

Both Black and brown workers face disproportionately high rates of job fatalities, with Black workers now in their fifth year of having the most deaths on the job compared to all other racial groups, according to the AFL-CIO. The report indicates that the mortality rate for Black employees is now at 4.2 per 100,000 deaths, with a total of 734 deaths occurring in 2022. This number is a significant increase from the previous year, with over 100 more fatalities reported.

These racial disparities have been a problem for many years, but they are now reaching new heights. The most common cause of death for Black workers was transportation incidents, accounting for almost one-third of all fatalities. Other industries that saw a significant number of fatalities were food, manufacturing, and administrative and support services. Additionally, there was a 22% increase in Black worker fatalities due to exposure to harmful substances or environments. The report states that over 100 Black workers died as a result of this, with 72 of those deaths being unintentional overdoses.

The AFL-CIO has identified a lack of agency in the workplace as a contributing factor to these alarming death rates. Racism in the workplace can create an environment where workers are afraid to speak up about safety concerns, for fear of retaliation. This can ultimately lead to preventable deaths.

In order to address this issue, the AFL-CIO believes that there needs to be stronger enforcement of OSHA rules and protections. This will ensure that employees can perform their duties without the constant threat of losing their lives. As the number of Black worker fatalities continues to rise, it is crucial that steps are taken to protect and support these workers in their jobs. After all, their safety and well-being should be a top priority for all employers and organizations.

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