Overall, the United States has made considerable strides in improving workplace safety over the last two decades. A report published by AFL-CIO, the largest U.S. federation of trade unions, shows that the number of fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers in the U.S. fell from 4.2 in 2006 to 3.6 in 2021. This rate was however as low as 3.4 in 2020.

A key element of upholding safety standards in the workplace involves federal and state inspections by OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Unfortunately, the agency's staffing and resources are insufficient for it to carry out its task effectively.