HONORINGWORKPLACE INJURIES ON WORKERS’ MEMORIAL DAY Remembering the Fallen
Every April 28, Workers’ Memorial Day is commemorated across the globe to honor those who have lost their lives, been injured, or become disabled on the job. Despite centuries’ worth of advancement in technology and safety, workers still die and are injured daily, leaving us with a long way to go. In 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 5,333 worker deaths in the United States — that’s one every 99 minutes. Roadway accidents accounted for 1,270 deaths, while falls claimed 880 lives, and homicides killed 454. Contact with equipment and exposure to harmful substances also caused many fatalities. The deadliest sectors per worker are agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting. But people working in positions that require driving account for 24% of the deaths. These deaths are not only among truckers — delivery drivers, salespeople, and others who regularly travel by vehicle for their occupation are also at risk. Most workplace injuries are not fatal, but they create a significant impact all their own. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.4 million workers sustained injuries that required a trip to the emergency room in 2019. In total, 888,220 non-fatal work injuries required workers to miss days from work. Many of those workers incurred hospital bills and lost wages. Some of them also acquired a permanent disability. Crostini With Ricotta, Peas, and Mint Inspired by AheadOfThyme.com
Perhaps surprisingly, nursing assistants are most at risk for non-
fatal workplace injuries, followed by heavy truck drivers, laborers, light truck drivers, and construction workers. But the highest total number of injuries
came from the health care and social assistance sector, followed by the retail trade. It’s a sobering reminder that workplace threats can loom in unexpected places, and we all need to take care to stay safe at work. When someone is injured on the job, workers’ compensation exists to help them pick up the pieces, and in the event of a death, survivor benefits help families of the deceased worker stay afloat. But it’s far better to avoid needing those benefits in the first place. We must continue pushing for workplace safety in all occupations to prevent tragedies before they occur. It is the only proper way to honor those we’ve lost.
PUZZLE
Ingredients
Directions
• 1 French baguette, sliced • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 tbsp and 1 tsp salt, divided • 1 lb English peas, fresh or frozen • 2 garlic cloves, smashed • 1 lb fresh ricotta cheese • Fresh mint leaves, sliced • Sea salt, to taste • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. On a large baking sheet, place baguette slices. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tbsp of salt. Bake for about 7 minutes, but do not brown. 3. In a medium pot, add water and 1 tsp salt, then bring to a boil. Add peas and cook for 3 minutes. Drain peas and place them in ice bath. Cool for several minutes before draining. 4. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté drained peas with garlic until cooked through. The peas should still be firm, not mushy. 5. On a large platter, layer crostini with ricotta, peas, and a few slices of fresh mint. 6. Season each crostini with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
| 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator