Number of workplace related deaths surged to 81 last year By Kren Testa, AP, Boston.com
Advocates for worker safety urged support for new legislation filed by U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., that would extend federal workplace protections to millions of public workers and create tougher penalties for companies who violate regulations. It would also make it a felony if an employer is killed or seriously injured through willful violations of safety and health laws and provide more protections for so-called whistleblowers.
'Companies have an obligation to make the workplace safe,' said Rocio Saenz, president of SEIU local 615, which represents maintenance workers. 'We're here to say having a safe workplace is a right.'