North Dakota Oil Patch Fatalities Down

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The number of work-related deaths in the North Dakota oil patch in 2015 dropped from the previous year.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration data show three such fatalities last year, down from seven in 2014 and 10 in 2013.

OSHA Area Director Eric Brooks tells The Bismarck Tribune it's unclear whether drop is due to better safety or fewer workers.

State Workforce Safety and Insurance Director Bryan Klipfel says that as the workforce has declined in the oil patch due to the industry downturn, that agency has seen a corresponding drop in the number of injured worker claims.

Safety experts are hoping the decrease is due to their efforts. North Dakota Safety Council CEO Chuck Clairmont says that despite the decrease in oil activity, safety trainings haven't dropped.