Wyoming Bill Would Pay for Voluntary Work Inspections

A proposal aimed at increasing workplace safety in Wyoming would pay for five consultants to conduct voluntary inspections.

The consultants wouldn’t be able to cite or fine employers if they found any problems.

House Bill 89 won initial backing in the Senate on Monday.

It would also provide $500,000 for matching grants that companies can use to get extra training or safety equipment.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that Gov. Matt Mead worked with Rep. Tom Lubnau of Gillette to craft the bill.

The proposal follows the release of a yearlong study of Wyoming’s grim record as one of the worst states for deadly workplace accidents.

Lawmakers earlier rejected a proposal that would have increased the penalty for safety violations resulting in death to $125,000.