Worker fatalities on the rise in three Midwestern states; OSHA highlights resources

Kansas City, MO — An uptick in workplace fatalities in three Midwestern states has prompted OSHA to call attention to some of the agency’s resources.

OSHA has investigated 34 worker deaths in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska since the beginning of October, Region VII Administrator Kim Stille said in a July 10 press release. The release states that fatalities linked to falls, struck by objects and vehicles, machines hazards, grain bin engulfment, and burns have increased.

OSHA touts its Safe + Sound Campaign, which urges companies and organizations to “develop and implement a safety and health program that includes management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards.” Nearly 200 organizations have committed to the campaign, the agency states.

OSHA also highlights its free compliance assistance for small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as each state’s free On-Site Consultation Program for employers. Also available is the agency’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs publication, as well as a hotline number, 800-321-6742 (OSHA), for answers to questions, compliance assistance or to file a complaint.

“Working together with employers, unions and employees, we can reduce these incidents,” Stille said. “By implementing and sustaining workplace safety and health programs, we can help employees avoid preventable injuries and fatalities. The agency has additional resources available to help employers of all sizes identify workplace hazards and eliminate them.”