Protecting the safety and health of workers is among the union movement's most important priorities.
Safe jobs are critical to preserving and improving our quality of life.
Workplaces are Safer and Healthier Over the past quarter-century, tremendous progress has been made in reducing the toll of workplace injury, illness and death suffered by American workers. The reported job fatality rate has been cut by 75 percent and the reported job injury rate by 35 percent. Exposures to many toxic substances, such as asbestos, benzene, lead and cotton dust, have been reduced dramatically. The union movement can take credit for its role in achieving this progress. Working with our allies, we have won strong protections against major hazards and expanded rights for workers.