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Where is the Media Coverage of 11 workers missing in Gulf of Mexico Oil Rig Explosion?
(April 26) Six days after the explosion of the BP/Transocean oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, it appears sadly unlikely that any survivors will be found among the 11 missing workers. The loss of 11 workers would qualify as one of the most significant industrial disasters in recent years. Yet barely a word has been mentioned in the press of the human cost of this tragedy, the focus of news articles being almost entirely on the environmental impact.
As we prepare for Workers' Memorial Day this week, we have to ask what is the explanation for the media treatment of this tragedy? Other recent industrial disasters (Upper Big Branch mine, the Tesoro refinery, the Kleen Energy plant in CT) all garnered significant media attention to the human cost of these explosions, as they should have. Is it the fact that the incident took place offshore? That the fatalities are not yet confirmed?
Whatever the reason, it is an unjustifiable omission. Yes, we are concerned about the potential environmental impact of a Gulf of Mexico oil spill, but the potential loss of 11 workers' lives deserves more attention than it has received.
Who We Are
Where is the Media Coverage of 11 workers missing in Gulf of Mexico Oil Rig Explosion?
(April 26) Six days after the explosion of the BP/Transocean oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, it appears sadly unlikely that any survivors will be found among the 11 missing workers. The loss of 11 workers would qualify as one of the most significant industrial disasters in recent years. Yet barely a word has been mentioned in the press of the human cost of this tragedy, the focus of news articles being almost entirely on the environmental impact.
As we prepare for Workers' Memorial Day this week, we have to ask what is the explanation for the media treatment of this tragedy? Other recent industrial disasters (Upper Big Branch mine, the Tesoro refinery, the Kleen Energy plant in CT) all garnered significant media attention to the human cost of these explosions, as they should have. Is it the fact that the incident took place offshore? That the fatalities are not yet confirmed?
Whatever the reason, it is an unjustifiable omission. Yes, we are concerned about the potential environmental impact of a Gulf of Mexico oil spill, but the potential loss of 11 workers' lives deserves more attention than it has received.
Who We Are
The "National COSH" is the nation's leading advocates for workers' health and safety. We are a network of 21 local and statewide coalitions ("COSH"es) made up of unions, health and technical professionals, and individuals concerned about workers' rights to safety and health. For more information about who we are, click here.
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What You'll Find on this Site
This site is geared towards providing practical tools for workers, trainers, and OSH activists. We aren't trying to create a comprehensive library of technical health and safety materials on this site, since other sites perform that function well. (See Links to Larger Collections for some suggestions.) Following the tabs at the top of each page, you will find:
- Detailed information about the COSH Network
- Contacts for local COSH Groups
- Our Current Campaigns
- Our Resources including information about workers' rights under OSHA in a variety of languages, tools for trainers, OSH Facts and Data, workers' compensation, and other materials.
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