Workers in the United States enjoy certain basic legal rights that provide them with safe, healthy and fair conditions at work. But many employers, perhaps their own, violate these fundamental rights because they value their earnings more than their workers.

Going to work should not involve any harm. In 2008, there were more than 4.6 million workers from all industries, including the state and local governments, who suffered work-related injuries and illnesses that were reported by employers, and 3.7 million of those injuries and illnesses correspond to the private sector. Due to limitations of the injury reporting system and the fact that many injuries suffered in the workplace were not reported, this number underestimates the problem. It is estimated that the actual figure is two or three times higher: 9 million to 14 million injuries and illnesses per year.

I hurt myself at work. What I can do?

• If you are injured at work you have the right to receive the corresponding labor compensation.
• You have the right to receive payment of compensation whether the accident was your fault, one of your co-workers or your employer.

What is workers' compensation?

• Workers' compensation is a state insurance system that helps you if you have an accident and you get hurt at work or as a result of it