Workers Speak Out on Unsafe Jobs as National COSH Releases Dirty Dozen 2026

16 Apr 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2026

Contact: Tochtli Garcia | tgarcia@nationalcosh.org | +1 917 804 8581

Workers Speak Out on Unsafe Jobs as National COSH Releases Dirty Dozen 2026

 One worker dies every 104 minutes as companies continue to put profits over safety

(Los Angeles, CA) –  On Wednesday, April 22, National COSH will release its annual Dirty Dozen 2026 report  in a national media call featuring workers and advocates exposing companies that put profits before safety.  

 

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22 | 11am PT/1pm CT/ 2pm ET

WHAT: Release of Dirty Dozen 2026 report + worker testimonies 

REGISTER: Media and attendees can register here.  Pre-registration is required to receive an individualized link for the Zoom call on Wednesday, April 22nd.
 

WHO:

  • Jessica E. Martinez, MPH, Executive Director, National COSH
  • Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, former stonecutter living with silicosis
  • Catfish processing worker industry (name withheld due to risk of retaliation)
  • Auto manufacturing supply chain worker (name withheld due to risk of retaliation)
  • Guadalupe, food processing worker     

Note: This is a bilingual event with Spanish interpretation available

 

Workers and advocates will speak directly about the real consequences of unsafe workplaces, from toxic exposures and dangerous machinery to extreme heat and retaliation for speaking out.

In 2024, more than 5,000 workers were killed on the job. At the same time, OSHA has approximately 1,850 inspectors for over 130 million workers, about one inspector for every 70,000 workers. At this pace, it would take more than 150 years to inspect every workplace once.

“This is not inevitable. It is the result of corporate decisions and weak enforcement,” said Jessica E. Martinez, Executive Director of National COSH. “Workers are speaking out to demand accountability and protections that save lives.”

Following worker testimonies, media will have the opportunity to engage directly with speakers.

To request an embargoed copy of the Dirty Dozen report, please contact:  tgarcia@nationalcosh.org 

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The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting safe, healthy, and just working conditions. We advocate for stronger protections, empower workers to assert their rights, and work to eliminate hazards that threaten safety. For more information, visit www.nationalcosh.org and follow us @NationalCOSH on FacebookBluesky, and Instagram.