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 engineered stonecutter living with silicosis
- Catfish processing worker (name withheld due to risk of retaliation)
- Kissy Cox, auto manufacturing supply chain worker
- Auto manufacturing supply chain worker (name withheld due to risk of retaliation)
- Food processing worker (name withheld due to risk of retaliation)
- Residential Construction Worker (name withheld due to risk of retaliation)
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.
Federal workplace safety enforcement has declined sharply, with health and safety penalties dropping by nearly 45 percent in 2025.
“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