The on-the-job death rate among black workers is now at a 15-year high

In its newly released 2024 report, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) revealed that the on-the-job death rate among Black workers has reached a 15-year high.

Annual review 33 went public April 24 and detailed statistics on black workers. The report goals to debate the changing state of occupational safety, spreading awareness and insight into areas where resources could also be lacking. By suggesting policy changes and examining safety standards in each state, the report goals to deal with key issues among workers that result in injuries and deaths.

Both black and brown workers face disproportionate rates of workplace mortality, with the previous now experiencing its fifth-highest 12 months of on-the-job deaths in comparison with all other racial groups, based on the AFL-CIO. The mortality rate for Black workers is currently 4.2 per 100,000 deaths, with 734 deaths reported in 2022. This number increased by over 100 more deaths in comparison with the previous 12 months.

These racial disparities have persevered for years, but as rates rise, they’re reaching latest heights. Of the industries with essentially the most damage, transportation accidents were essentially the most common reason for death, accounting for nearly one-third. Other dominant industries with fatalities included food, manufacturing, and administrative and support services.

Furthermore, there has also been a 22% increase in black employee fatalities because of exposure to harmful substances or the environment. According to the ability, over 100 black employees died for this reason, 72 of which were the results of unintentional overdoses.

The AFL-CIO has determined that a lack of agency within the workplace is a think about this variety of deaths. Racism in such environments can limit an worker’s ability to talk up about safety concerns because of fear of retaliation, which might result in avoidable deaths.

The Federation believes that stronger enforcement of OSHA rules and protections will be sure that workers can perform their duties without risk of lack of life. As the death toll among Black workers continues to rise, working to make sure Black workers are protected and capable of address questions of safety stays critical to their livelihoods.