While, these days, we're all used to efforts to keep workers safe, no matter the environment, we also remember that it wasn't always that way.
Today, April 28, is observed as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, and it would be good for all of us to take time - today and every day after - to remember the efforts to protect ourselves and our coworkers, and just how far it's all come.
We live in an area prized for its industrial past, where steel mills, glass factories, potteries and more dotted the landscape.
Weirton Steel, along with its successors, has witnessed more than 120 deaths related to workplace injuries in its history. You may think that it's amazing to have "only" had that many deaths in a facility known for massive and dangerous machinery, molten metal, heavy rail lines and more, but that is 120 deaths too many when you think that each of those were people with families, friends, hopes and dreams.
The community pays tribute each year to those lost, both to keep their memories alive, and to remember the importance of keeping everyone safe.
Much has changed in the years since. Whether it's been discontinuing the use of certain chemicals, requiring the use of safety equipment, increased training, or changes in machinery to force a shutdown if a problem arises, all of these measures are done with the idea of safety in mind.
It may be something as seemingly minor as having first aid kits and fire extinguishers available, or establishing an evacuation route in your office building in the event of an emergency.
It all has the same goal. Keeping employees, no matter their environment, safe from harm.
On this day, we encourage everyone to take stock of what has been done, and what still can be done, to stay safe in your workplace.
Whether it's an injury, or worse, the plan should always be to keep the count at zero.