Among the most basic rights that we should expect from work, in addition to fair pay, is the right to a safe workplace. All workers deserve the right to know that when they go to work each day, they’re going to be safe and able to return home to their loved ones unharmed. Realizing this right, though, has been an ongoing struggle throughout history in the US. From the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 to the millions of workers who have lost their lives or been injured in mining, construction, or warehouse accidents, work has too often been a place where profits have come before people and workers’ well-being has suffered.
Out of tragedy, however, has come progress. Laws like the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) have dramatically reduced injuries and fatalities in the workplace. However, challenges persist for workers, including those in high-risk sectors and nonstandard employment arrangements. And today, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration itself is under threat. President Nixon signed the OSH Act into law in 1970, a time when manufacturing and traditional employment structures were dominant. Today, the growth of jobs in warehousing, gig work, and even industries such as health care present new challenges, including a rise in workplace violence. Our changing climate — marked by wildfires, extreme weather events, and rising temperatures — also poses new risks to workers.
In this edition of our Job Quality Newsletter, we examine the dangers of work and the evolving policies and regulations designed to make workplaces safe. We explore the legacy and impact of the OSH Act, the need to strengthen protections for independent contractors and temporary workers, and the role of regulations in ensuring fair and safe jobs. We also highlight the hidden risks of food production and the harsh realities of meat and poultry processing. And we underscore the importance of protecting workers in all industries.
As we mark the 55th anniversary of the OSH Act, there is a clear and urgent need to do more to protect workers from harm, just as there was in 1970. We hope you’ll join us in pushing for that change.
Op-Ed — This Labor Day, let’s hear it for regulation! No, really.
This op-ed by Executive Director Maureen Conway highlights the important role that government regulations play in ensuring worker protections. From safer workplaces to fair wages and the right to organize, regulations have been key in improving conditions for workers. Despite opposition, it’s clear that these laws continue to safeguard the health, well-being, and rights of American workers, and strengthening them is crucial for addressing emerging challenges in the workforce. Read more in The Hill.
Video — Defining the ‘Good Job’: Rethinking Work in America
In this episode of Aspen Ignites, Emma Goldberg, business reporter at The New York Times, and I dive into the essential elements of job quality — economic stability, equity, mobility, and worker safety. With millions of workers injured on the job each year, over 5,000 dying on the job, and tens of thousands passing away from occupational diseases, work has an enormous (and often hidden) human toll. We discuss how fair wages, stable schedules, and safer working conditions can create jobs that don’t force workers to risk their health or quality of life. Watch this video for insights on building a future where good jobs are safe jobs.
Video — The Occupational Safety and Health Act: The Past and Future of Workers’ Well-Being
In this event, panelists explore the history and impact of the OSH Act, which has significantly reduced workplace injuries and fatalities since its passage in 1970. Despite this progress, challenges remain — especially for workers in high-risk industries and those disproportionately affected by unsafe conditions. Watch this event recording to learn how we can address these inequities and strengthen protections for all workers.
Blog Post — Field to Feast: The Workers and Hazardous Jobs Behind our Thanksgiving Meal
In this blog, Associate Director Merrit Stüven describes how the systems and processes that bring food to our table pose an active risk for the workers who make it happen. She explains how providing safe work environments and protecting workers’ physical and psychological health is a necessary baseline for building a more just economy. Read the full blog here.
Check out this event recording: Workers On the Line: Improving Jobs in Meat and Poultry Processing
Report — Reimagining Workplace Protections: A Policy Agenda to Meet Independent Contractors’ and Temporary Workers’ Needs
This Urban Institute report, co-authored by Shelly Steward — former director of our Future of Work Initiative — lays out a bold policy agenda aimed at transforming workplace protections and safety for workers in nonstandard arrangements. It identifies gaps in protections for temporary workers, independent contractors, and others who currently lack the robust enforcement mechanisms they need to work securely. The authors argue that building an equitable economy starts with reimagining these essential safeguards. To learn more about the detailed recommendations and insights offered, read the full report.
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The Economic Opportunities Program advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy. Follow us on social media and join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on publications, blog posts, events, and other announcements.
