On Workers’ Memorial Day, National Safety Council urges employers to address workplace illnesses
More than 50,000 workers estimated to die each year from occupational illnesses
Source: NSC Press Release
This Workers’ Memorial Day, observed April 28, the National Safety Council is calling on employers to better understand and identify the risks associated with occupational illnesses. Workplace-related illnesses are estimated to result in 53,000 deaths and 427,000 nonfatal illnesses each yeari compared to workplace-related injuries, which are estimated to result in almost 4,000 deaths and 4.8 million injuries requiring medical attention annuallyii. Given the often delayed onset of illnesses, these numbers are estimated to be low.