Farming, ranching most dangerous occupations in state
March 1, 2013
Minnesota experienced a significant drop in workplace fatalities in 2011, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor (BLS). Preliminary data from the BLS's Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries shows that there were 60 fatalities from work injuries in Minnesota in 2011.
An expert panel has awarded NIOSH’s research program to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Sector the highest rating – a five on a scale of 1-5 – based on its relevance.
A Washington state agricultural employer has agreed to pay $11,100 in penalties following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division that found multiple violations of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act's provisions regarding housing safety and health.
The USDA says it's getting out in front of potential worker safety implications of a plan aimed at speeding up processing but that shouldn't be it's only concern, according to a watchdog group.
A top official of the California workplace-safety agency says farmers and ranchers should expect more purposeful visits from it and other labor agencies, as they monitor for compliance with heat-safety rules and other standards.