Wyoming has consistently ranked among the top five states in the country with the highest workplace accident and fatality rates since 2003, on a per capita basis. With an economy deeply rooted in physically demanding industries like oil and gas, mining, agriculture, and construction, many workers across the state face hazardous conditions as part of their daily routine. While these jobs are essential to Wyoming’s economy, they also come with serious risks, risks that too often lead to life-altering injuries or tragic loss. If you have been injured in a workplace accident and are trying to determine if you can pursue action, the personal injury attorneys at Olson Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
Wyoming Fatal Workplace Accident Statistics
Workplace safety remains a serious concern in Wyoming. In recent years, the number of fatal job-related accidents has been steadily rising. According to the Wyoming Department of Workplace Services, in 2023 alone, 45 workers lost their lives, an increase of 32.4% from the previous year and the highest total recorded in the state in over 15 years. This alarming trend shows the need for stronger protections for workers and more effective strategies to prevent these tragedies from taking place.
Unfortunately, Wyoming faces unique challenges when it comes to tracking and addressing workplace fatalities. The state only investigates deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of OSHA or the MSHA, which means many serious incidents can often go unexamined by state safety officials. According to Liz Gagen, Director of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, just six of the 2023 deaths were OSHA-related. The remaining 39 fell outside OSHA’s oversight, making it harder to identify patterns, enforce regulations, and improve safety conditions for Wyoming workers.
Efforts to Address Workplace Safety in Wyoming
Wyoming has taken some steps to improve workplace safety, but the progress has been slow. In 2009, then-Gov. Dave Freudenthal formed a workplace safety task force to focus on high-risk industries. While the task force made several important suggestions, none were acted on by the legislature, although workers’ compensation benefits did increase at that time.
In 2010, Wyoming took a more focused approach by creating a position for an epidemiologist to study workplace deaths and gather data from agencies like OSHA, MSHA, and the Wyoming Highway Patrol. However, this position was eliminated in 2022 during a restructuring of the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). The role was replaced with an OSHA Compliance Assistance position, which focuses on helping employers follow safety regulations, but critics argue that this shift may have missed the chance to better analyze trends and create more effective safety measures.
Common Types Of Workplace Accidents in Wyoming
Workers in Wyoming face real dangers on the job every day. While safety should always be a priority, serious accidents still happen far too often, sometimes with life-changing consequences. Some of the most common types of workplace accidents in Wyoming include:
- Falls: Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and deaths in Wyoming. These accidents often result in serious harm and are especially common on construction and industrial sites, whether due to unsafe working conditions or a lack of proper safety equipment.
- Heavy Machinery Accidents: Workers in Wyoming often rely on large, powerful equipment to get the job done, but when machinery is defective or used improperly, the results can be devastating. Crushing injuries, amputations, and fatalities are not uncommon in industries like mining and construction, where employees regularly operate forklifts, loaders, and other heavy-duty machines.
- Fires and Explosions: Oil and gas operations, chemical plants, and remote worksites are at constant risk of fires and explosions. These accidents can happen with little warning and often result in catastrophic injuries such as severe burns, respiratory damage, or death.
- Electrical Accidents: Electrocution risks are common in construction, utility work, and energy sector jobs. Workers may come into contact with exposed wires, faulty equipment, or live power lines. These incidents can cause burns, nerve damage, and in severe cases, fatal cardiac arrest.
- Exposure to Toxic Chemicals: In oilfields, manufacturing, and agriculture, exposure to toxic chemicals like pesticides, solvents, or gases is a real danger. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic illnesses, including respiratory conditions, cancer, and neurological disorders, especially when employers fail to provide proper training or protective gear.
Workplace injuries can be serious, life-altering, and even fatal. If you or someone you love has been hurt or passed away because an employer failed to maintain a safe work environment, you deserve answers, accountability, and justice. Our workplace accident attorneys are here to help you take the next step forward.
A serious injury can impact your health, work, and future. We’re here to hold the responsible party accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Responsible For a Wyoming Workplace Accident?
After a workplace accident, establishing who is responsible for the accident is important. While workers’ compensation may provide some benefits, it doesn’t always account for the full scope of your losses, especially when negligence played a role.
In Wyoming, several parties may be held accountable depending on the circumstances of the accident:
- Employers: If an employer failed to follow safety regulations, ignored known hazards, or failed to train workers properly, they could be held responsible, particularly in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct.
- Third Parties: Contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners may also share liability. For example, suppose a defective machine caused the injury or a third-party contractor created unsafe conditions. In that case, you may have grounds for a third-party injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation.
- Coworkers: In rare situations, a coworker’s reckless or intentional actions can contribute to a serious injury. While these cases are not as often seen, they may open additional legal avenues depending on the details involved.
Identifying who is at fault isn’t always straightforward, but it can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim. At Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys can help uncover every possible source of accountability so you’re not left to handle this burden alone.
Contact a Trusted Attorney After a Wyoming Workplace Accident
Workplace accidents can turn your life upside down, leaving you with painful injuries, financial uncertainty, and more questions than answers. If you’ve been hurt on the job or lost a loved one due to a workplace incident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.
At Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re here to stand up for Wyoming workers and their families. Our injury attorneys understand how complex these cases can be, especially when multiple parties are involved or workers’ compensation doesn’t go far enough. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve.
If you need answers, support, and legal guidance you can trust, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you take the next step forward.
