As we mourn the devastating loss of lives in the tragic collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key bridge, our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. The construction crew, primarily consisting of immigrants from Mexico and Central America, who were on the bridge at the time of the accident, remind us of the vital contributions immigrant workers make to our communities every day.

It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the stark reality that Latino men, like those who were part of the construction crew, face the highest rate of workplace fatalities in the United States. This sobering statistic underscores the urgent need for greater protections and safety measures for immigrant workers, who often take on dangerous jobs in construction and other industries to support their families.

As we prepare for Workers’ Memorial Week, observed this year from April 21 through April 28, we pay tribute to all workers who have lost their lives while making a living. The bridge collapse in Baltimore serves as a grim reminder of the risks that workers face on a daily basis and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being.

We call on government officials and employers to prioritize the safety of all workers, regardless of their immigration status, and to implement comprehensive safety protocols to prevent accidents and tragedies like this from occurring in the future. No worker should ever have to sacrifice their life for a paycheck, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.

As we honor the memory of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident, let us also renew our commitment to advocating for the rights and protections of immigrant workers and their families. 

In community,

National COSH