Workplace deaths rise in ND oil patch

North Dakota's workers' compensation agency is offering safety training to companies in the state's booming oil patch to try and lessen the number of job-related deaths and injuries.

Officials say injuries are happening most often to employees who have less than a year on the job.

Workforce Safety and Insurance data show 29 workers were killed on the job in the fiscal year that ended in July. Thirteen of the fatalities occurred in oil patch-related occupations, and seven of those deaths were from vehicle crashes.

WSI director Bryan Klipfel says North Dakota's robust economy led by its booming energy sector has spurred an increase in the number of employers, workers and claims. And he says oil patch-related occupations often are more dangerous than other jobs.

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