Worker death in energy related fields is a growing concern in Wyoming with the recent deaths of 4 energy industry workers. That raises the workplace injury death toll in the energy industry alone to seven in 2011, with several months to go. For a state with a total population of around 500,000 that is a significant number. Whether or not the wrongful deaths were caused by employer negligence or a negligent act by another person or party, these incidents are a reminder that Wyoming is facing a serious safety crisis in regards to workplace injury.

According to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, the total number of worker death cases in Wyoming increased to thirty four in 2010, which represents a seventy nine percent increase from the prior year. Ten of the thirty four occurred in the mining and natural resources fields. These frightening statistics should provide wide support throughout the state for our local and state government and energy industry regulators to invest in improved safety standards. The increase in wrongful deaths seems to be related to the increase in energy activity in the state. If you are reading this article because a loved one was the victim of a wrongful death accident, immediately call personal injury attorneys to protect your rights.

Many workers in the energy industry work with hazardous materials and very heavy equipment, all of which presents increased safety risks. Because Wyoming has one of the highest rates of worker deathper population in the nation, the Wyoming Oil and Gas Safety Alliance was created in order to create improved training and to share best practice safety measures. While this alliance is obviously a much needed addition, it is apparently not enough. All energy companies working within our state borders should join this alliance, but many have not.

A recommendation is pending in the Legislature and should be followed through on in the next legislative session regarding raising the penalties for OSHA violations that result in wrongful death. Currently the maximum fine is seventy thousand dollars and the proposal would raise it to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. One hates to consider the fact that an increase in penalties would make a company work harder to protect the safety of its employees, but sadly that is the case for many companies.

With energy activity increasing in Wyoming, the chances also increase of more serious injuries and wrongful death scenarios playing out. If you or someone you know has been seriously hurt or killed in a work related accident, rely on the experience and skill of wrongful death attorneys to file a wrongful death lawsuit and pursue the justice your deserve. wrongful death attorneys have taken on some of the largest corporations in the country and are well versed in helping a family recover damages.

The Elite Lawyer Project personal injury lawyers have extensive experience in helping victims of a personal injury accident.Call 877-382-1188 today to speak to our personal injury associates for a free case review.
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