How many worker deaths per year were accounted for due to job-related accidents prior to OSHA's formation?

The figure of 14,000 worker deaths per year prior to the formation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reflects a significant safety concern in the workplaces of that era. This number highlights the hazardous conditions under which many workers were operating before the implementation of strict safety regulations and standards.

OSHA was established in 1970, largely in response to the unacceptably high rates of workplace accidents and fatalities. The agency's formation marked a turning point in labor safety standards, with the goal of reducing these statistics dramatically through regulations and training. Prior to OSHA, the lack of oversight meant that many workplaces had few, if any, safety protocols in place. The high number of deaths underlines the critical need for a structured approach to occupational safety and health, which OSHA sought to address.

The other figures presented do not accurately reflect the historical data on worker fatalities before OSHA's establishment. Understanding this statistic helps underscore the importance of OSHA and its role in protecting workers today.