Legislation aimed at decreasing the number of workplace deaths in Wyoming
died today in the Wyoming House of Representatives.  The proposal introduced
by Rep. Mary Throne (D-Cheyenne) would have assessed higher fines for
employers that violate workplace safety regulations which result in the
death of a worker in Wyoming.

“On average one worker dies every ten days in Wyoming.  This is
unacceptable” explained Rep. Throne, “Voluntary compliance is only a piece
of the puzzle.  We will continue to be the state with highest worker
fatalities because we refuse to assess real penalties and honestly the
numbers I proposed are not that high”.

The proposal would have added a penalty ranging between $25,000-$125,000.
The fine would be assessed when employers “willingly and knowingly” violate
workplace safety regulations.  Lower penalties were proposed for less serious violations and small businesses.

The Wyoming AFL-CIO and SAFER Wyoming were in support of House Bill 96, which failed to receive the two-thirds majority required during a budget
session.  The proposal failed introduction on a vote of 30-28.

Throne pointed out, "We have tougher fines in Wyoming for wildlife violations than we do for worker deaths.  We can't promote a culture of safety in Wyoming without real enforcement."