Empowering workers’ voices through partnership

As summer comes to an end and kids return to school, many of us will soon start thinking about the cooler weather, changing leaves, football and shorter days. But before we get to that point, though, it’s important to take some time to think about workers, their rights and what we can all do to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.

Labor Rights Week, Aug. 26-30, leads up to Labor Day. While Labor Day may be considered the unofficial end of summer with a day off work, some grilling and maybe a last trip to the lake or pool – it is much more than that. It is a time to honor the workers who make and service everything around us each and every day. Labor Rights Week is a celebration and recognition of the fundamental rights of all workers across the nation, including local events aimed at promoting awareness, education and advocacy for labor rights in the United States.

This year, that celebration centers on the many partnerships that are instrumental in OSHA’s efforts to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities for workers. As Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su wrote, the celebrations of workers would not be possible “without the work of unions, lawmakers, advocates, and millions of workers” who fought over many years and in many ways so that workers today can enjoy the rights they have. The Consular Partnership Program is a key part of the network of partners who help workers know their rights on the job so that they can have confidence to speak up about hazards and unsafe conditions. Foreign consulate offices across the country provide invaluable support to workers who come to the United States to live and work.

All workers, regardless of their immigration status or where they are originally from, have the same rights in their workplaces, and at OSHA, we value every OSHA partnership and alliance that helps protect them; for example, the alliance agreement in Boise, Idaho, that trains young workers in workplace safety and health. This program, and others like it, will benefit not just those young people, but the countless people they work with throughout their lives. Those alliances and partnerships that involve young workers will have a generational impact. 

In 2022, there were 1,056 fatalities in the construction and extraction industries, an 11% increase over 2021. Many construction companies have partnered with OSHA to protect workers in their industry. Those companies have taken significant steps to reverse that trend and reduce that number of fatalities by ensuring that they focus on improving their safety and health management systems. OSHA and our partners recognize the importance of effective SHMS to find and fix hazards that can cause serious injuries and fatalities. Workers in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Springfield, Massachusetts, among many other cities will be safer and healthier on their jobs thanks to construction contractors stepping up and partnering with OSHA. 

Seasons, leaves and lengths of days change over time. That is natural. But the fact that workers have rights is constant. All workers in every workplace have the right to a safe and healthful workplace. As with most rights, it takes many partners to ensure that every worker experiences those rights equally. We appreciate all of our partners. If you are a worker group, a worker advocate or an employer who has not partnered with OSHA, we encourage you to reach out to an OSHA office near you to find out how we can work together to improve your safety and health management system, and protect workers on the job. 

Jim Frederick is the deputy assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. Follow OSHA on X/Twitter at @OSHA_DOL and on LinkedIn.