More work to be done to protect workers

Every day in America, 13 workers die on the job from injuries. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if companies identified and promptly fixed job hazards. In Iowa, in 2012, 51 hardworking men and women never came home to their families.

Meanwhile, companies continue to shirk responsibility and cut corners to multiply their ever-increasing profits, all at the expense of workers. How much money is a life worth?

Since passage of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, we have made progress in preventing more worker deaths - but not enough.

On Sunday, Workers Memorial Day, the Hawkeye Labor Council and area unions will pause to remember those who have lost their lives. Let's make sure these workers did not die in vain. We need more safety protections for all workers - now.

Rick Moyle

Executive director

Hawkeye Labor Council AFL-CIO