Mead Open To Higher Fines For Worker Deaths

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Gov. Matt Mead says more may need to be done to combat the state's high workplace fatality rate.

Mead told a meeting of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Industry Safety Alliance on Tuesday that new state workplace safety legislation might not be enough to reverse Wyoming's ranking as one of the most dangerous states for workers.

The governor says he would be open to increasing workplace safety fines and penalties if the state does not lower the number of workplace deaths in the next couple years.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that earlier this year the Legislature passed a bill that starts a matching-grant program for companies to receive training or safety equipment. The legislation also created seven new safety consultants to help identify workplace safety issues at individual companies.