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On this Labor Day, our attention turns to safety in the workplace.
The loss of six-miners at the Crandall Canyon Mine, and three of their colleagues while attempting a dangerous rescue, has raised public consciousness about mine safety. As should happen, commissions are being formed and studies undertaken.
Yet, mining isn't the only dangerous profession in Utah or the nation.
Workplace incidents claimed 60 lives in Utah last year, according to the latest annual report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of those Utah deaths involved transportation of one sort or another. In 15 instances, construction workers lost their lives.
Nationally, it is interesting to note that commercial fishing, as it has for years, remains the most dangerous occupation in America, followed by piloting, logging, structural iron and steel construction, and refuse collecting.
Interestingly, mining isn't on the national list of top ten most dangerous jobs.
Regardless of where one works and what one does, the Bureau of Labor Statistics report "underscores the perilous natures of many vocations." While it is important to get to the bottom of what happened at the Crandall Canyon Mine, KSL believes the significance of encouraging and promoting safety in all sectors of the workplace must not be overlooked.
