April 28th marks Workers’ Memorial Day. Today we honor and remember those who have died on the job. Many work place injuries are preventable. However, this does not mean injured workers are responsible for their own injuries. Many workers are required to work in unsafe work environments.
A lot of critics of work place regulations blame workers saying it is the workers choice to work in specific job and in specific conditions. It is this authors opinion that such views come from privilege and an absolute lack of understanding of what it feels like to be a laborer. Workers do not have voices when their livelihoods and that of their families are on the line. Saying “no” to working in a dangerous workplace will lead to the loss of that job, something most people can not afford.
Management has control. It is the responsibility of management and the corporation to maintain safe work places.
