21 Apr 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2025
Contact: Tochtli Garcia, (917) 804 8581, tgarcia@nationalcosh.org
National COSH to Expose 2025 “Dirty Dozen” Employers During Workers’ Memorial Week
Workers, advocates, and safety experts to name companies endangering lives through preventable hazards
(Los Angeles, CA) – As the nation marks Workers’ Memorial Week (April 23-May 1), a time to honor those killed, injured or made ill on the job, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) will host a national media call on Thursday, April 24th at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT to reveal the 2025 “Dirty Dozen”, a list of twelve employers that have failed to protect workers, placing lives and communities in harm’s way.
The announcement underscores the urgent need for stronger workplace protections as the U.S. continues to see over 5,000 worker deaths annually from traumatic incidents, and an estimated 120,000 more lives lost each year due to long-term occupational illnesses.
WHO:
- Jessica E. Martinez, MPH, Executive Director, National COSH
- Yanelia Ramirez, worker, Envy Nails
- Pamela Mejia, worker, McDonalds
- Formerly Detained GEO, worker, The Geo Group
- Meidy Ramirez, worker, Miracapo Pizza
Unsafe Employers, Unacceptable Outcomes
"Too many workers are dying, getting sick, or sustaining lifelong injuries—often in incidents that are entirely preventable," said Jessica E. Martinez, Executive Director of National COSH. "The employers we’re highlighting in this year’s Dirty Dozen list have ignored known risks and failed to implement basic safety measures, putting profit over people. We must hold them accountable."
Companies featured in the 2025 Dirty Dozen list include major corporations that have been cited for egregious safety violations, repeated offenses, and exploitative labor practices.
Focus on Heat, Immigration, and Racial Justice
This year’s report arrives amid intensifying concerns about climate-driven workplace hazards and entrenched systemic injustice. As the climate crisis worsens, Black, brown, immigrant, and low-wage workers face mounting risks – from extreme heat to infectious disease outbreaks like avian flu.
"Immigrant workers, particularly Latino workers, continue to die at disproportionately high rates," Martinez continued. “We refuse to stay silent in the face of deadly exploitation. We’re organizing for a future where every worker, in every workplace, is safe – no matter their job, their zip code, or their immigration status.”
Event Information
WHAT: National Media Call – Release of the 2025 “Dirty Dozen” Employers
WHEN: Thursday, April 24, 2025 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT
WHERE: Journalists can pre-register for the call here. Pre-registration is required to receive an individualized link for the Zoom call on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Note: Some of our speakers will deliver remarks in Spanish and Mandarin. Simultaneous interpretation will be available to ensure full access for all participants.
To request an embargoed copy of the Dirty Dozen report, please contact: tgarcia@nationalcosh.org