National COSH Names Annual Dirty Dozen Employers
Advocates and laborers highlight rising workplace fatalities and declining federal enforcement in the 2026 report.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Apr 20, 2026
National COSH is set to release its annual "Dirty Dozen" report on Wednesday, identifying 12 employers that advocates say put workers at risk through unsafe labor practices and hazardous environments.
The report arrives amid data showing a worker dies every 104 minutes in the United States. During a scheduled national media call, laborers from the construction, auto manufacturing and food processing sectors will provide testimonies regarding toxic exposures and dangerous machinery.
Organizers noted a significant gap in workplace oversight, reporting that OSHA currently employs roughly 1,850 inspectors to monitor more than 130 million workers. According to the report, federal health and safety penalties decreased by nearly 45% in 2025.
"Workers are speaking out to demand accountability and protections that save lives," said Jessica E. Martinez, executive director of National COSH.
The 2026 findings highlight specific hazards, including silicosis from engineered stonecutting, risks in catfish processing and the lack of protection against extreme heat. The report advocates for stronger enforcement and increased inspector staffing to address a backlog that would currently take 150 years to clear.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.