Report: Lack Of Workplace Safety Culture In Wyoming

An epidemiologist who spent a year studying the high rate of workplace deaths in Wyoming says his research points to lack of a “culture of safety” in the state.

Dr. Timothy Ryan says in a report to Gov. Matt Mead that more than 85 percent of reports on deadly workplace accidents in Wyoming show safety procedures not being followed.

Wyoming consistently has one of the nation’s highest rates of workplace fatalities, more than 12 per 100,000 workers in 2010. That’s more than three-and-a-half times the national average.

Many deaths occur in the oil and gas industry.

Recommendations in Ryan’s report include better monitoring and analysis of occupational data and supporting industry efforts to develop, monitor and enforce safety standards and practices.

Mead says the report shows that systemic changes are needed.