Lucas,
Outdated labor regulations are making some workers sick and even killing others.
Last month, four 14-year-old girls were electrocuted while working on a corn farm in Illinois. Two of the girls died.
As Public Citizen has pointed out, a plan to update child labor regulations may have prevented this and other farming tragedies this summer, but the White House's Office of Management and Budget delayed the proposal indefinitely (1).
Now, thanks in part to pressure from Public Citizen, the child labor regulation update is moving forward.
But we need pressure again, this time to help us dislodge another key worker safety regulation that has been stalled by the Office of Management and Budget.
Tell the Office of Management and Budget: Stop stalling worker safety.
Now, the Office of Management and Budget is stalling worker safety regulations to reduce exposure to silica dust - a substance whose effect on the human body is comparable to asbestos.
Every year, silica dust exposure kills hundreds and sickens thousands of workers.
Most at risk are construction workers who work closely with materials like sand, bricks and cement - especially those workers who operate jackhammers, cut bricks, or use sandblasters.
Desperate economic times have increased pressure on workers, who now are less likely to question exposure to hazardous substances. At the same time, businesses are cutting every corner they can to increase profits. These conditions, brought on by the Great Recession, are a recipe for more workplace tragedies.
Commonsense regulations to keep workers safe are essential to prevent exploitation, injuries and deaths.
Send your message to the White House.
Go to www.citizen.org/silica-dust-action
Thanks for all you do,
Rick Claypool
Public Citizen's Online Action Team
action@citizen.org
1. Read more about the stalled child labor regulations that are now moving forward.