OSHA Officials Say Ohio Workplace Fatalities Rising

Federal officials say workplace fatalities have been rising in Ohio and that lack of attention to safe work practices and training and the existence of younger and newer manufacturing and construction workforces have contributed. An official with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration says there have been an estimated 17 fatal workplace accidents statewide so far in fiscal year 2015. OSHA's Cincinnati area director says job cuts and retirements could be contributing to less experience in the field and more workers unfamiliar with industry hazards. Wilkerson says OSHA investigated 46 fatal work accidents statewide last year. That was an increase from 38 work-related deaths in 2011. Officials with OSHA's four areas in Ohio are urging more safety awareness by employers and employees.