North Dakota
North Dakota labeled most dangerous state for workers in report
FARGO — North Dakota is the most dangerous state in the nation for workers.
This is according to an examination of OSHA data from 2020-2022 conducted by personal injury lawyers
Triumph Law, P.C.
For every 100,000 hours worked in North Dakota, there are 2.772 deaths, injuries or illnesses, according to their report.
In North Dakota, workers logged 564,000,000 hours in the course of those two years and there were a reported 15,638 work-related deaths, injuries or illnesses.
The number of
fatal work injuries
in North Dakota totaled 37 in 2022, which was up by three deaths from the year before, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
There were 13 workers killed on the job in 2023, according to a release from the
North Dakota AFL-CIO.
North Dakota is closely followed in the rankings by Montana and Washinton with 2.624 and 2.619, respectively.
“It is fascinating to see such a wide range of states in the top ten,” Robert Carichoff, personal injury lawyer at Triumph Law, P.C. said in the release. “Hopefully, this research will encourage employers in these states to ensure all of the correct safety measures are in place. This will not only benefit the employees, but will also prevent loss of revenue to the company through lost working days if employees were to be injured. Equally, employees must ensure they are following procedures and using provided safety equipment.”
Neighbor South Dakota ranked ninth and was found to have 2.156 incidents per 100,000 hours.
Utah, meanwhile, is the safest state in the nation, according to the report, with 0.464 incidents.
“While some states are more dangerous for workers than others, there are risks for workers in any location,” Carichoff said. “Therefore it is crucial for employers and employees in all states to consider the safety of their working environment.”
Last year, Atticus, a law firm which tracks the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data and focuses on workplace safety,
labeled North Dakota as the most dangerous state to work in.
Minnesota came in as the eighth most dangerous, according to data from Atticus.
Minnesota saw a total
of 81 fatal work injuries in 2022, up one from 80 in 2021, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, which coincided with the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ number.
Ceremonies were held throughout North Dakota last week to mark Workers Memorial Day and remember all the workers who have died on the job, been injured or gotten sick, according to the ND AFL-CIO.
“The events featured labor leaders from the firefighters union, industrial unions, teachers unions, and building trades unions,” the ND AFL-CIO release said. “All spoke on the need to hold on to our job safety rights, and the need for workers to have the right to organize in their workplaces to win safer working conditions and a better life.”
“Companies put profits over safety. Too many employers and workers never see OSHA and penalties still are too low to be a deterrent. Workers are not adequately protected from retaliation when speaking out against unsafe working conditions,” the release stated.
“It’s time for action to protect workers from life-threatening job hazards that have plagued our workplaces, from workplace violence that is not just ‘part of the job,’ from heat illness as we enter warmer weather and so many more,” Landis Larson, North Dakota AFL-CIO President said. “All working people deserve safe and family-sustaining jobs, and we’re not going to stop fighting until that promise becomes a reality.”
Forum reporter C.S. Hagen contributed to this reporter.
Local government reporter working the night shift 👻. I cover Fargo city government, Cass County government and undercovered populations in the area.
A celebration of life is being held in Moorhead on Friday for Liz Anne Conmy, who was killed alongside her partner in a plane crash in Brooklyn Park on Saturday.
The celebration of life will take place at RiverHaven Events Center from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Those paying their respects are asked not to wear black in accordance with Conmy’s wishes, who said that one shouldn’t wear black to a funeral because it should be a celebration, and are asked to wear something colorful instead.
North Dakota State Representative Conmy and her partner, Dr. Joseph Cass, a retired Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon, were killed when the Beechcraft F33A they were in crashed near Crystal airport.
At this time, an investigation into what caused the crash is still ongoing.
SEE North Dakota lawmaker 1 of 2 killed in plane crash near Crystal Airport
Commy, a mother of four with ties to Minnesota State University and the University of St. Thomas, was known for her dedication to environmental and educational issues.
Friends say the couple had a passion for flying and traveled together all over the country, including in Minnesota, where Cass had a lake house.
SEE Friends, colleagues remember North Dakota lawmaker and partner killed in plane crash
Conmy’s political colleagues say she was preparing to run for a second term in the North Dakota House of Representatives.
Submitted Photo
Randy Burckhard, right, receives the Commander’s Award for Public Service from Gen. S.L. Davis, left, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and commander of Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command. The award was presented Tuesday, April 28, at the 2026 North Dakota Nuclear Triad Symposium in Minot. Photo from Minot Area Chamber EDC.
Randy Burckhard of Minot was caught by surprise when he was called to the stage to accept an award at the 2026 North Dakota Nuclear Triad Symposium held in Minot Tuesday, April 28.
Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and commander of Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command, presented Burckhard with the Commander’s Award for Public Service.
The award is in recognition of Burckhard’s distinguished service as an outstanding Air Force advocate representing Minot and surrounding areas, as part of the Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader Program, from Jan. 1, 2010-December 31, 2025.
“Randy has been a great supporter. He was an honorary commander when I was a wing commander (at Minot AFB from June 2011-June 2012). He became an Air Force Global Strike Civic Leader,” Davis said.
He said Burckhard recently asked to be moved to emeritus status but will continue to serve as a mentor for his replacement with the program.
Burckhard said it has been an honor and pleasure for him to serve and gave his appreciation for the award.
Maj. Thomas Barger, chief of Public Affairs at Minot Air Force Base, read the citation accompanying the award to symposium participants.
The citation states that during his tenure in the Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader Program, Burckhard represented the communities surrounding Minot AFB and supported the 36,000 airmen and families in Air Force Global Strike Command.
The citation also noted he provided vital advocacy for Spouse Licensure, the Interstate Compact for students, and tax exemptions for military members and retirees in North Dakota.
Burckhard, a state senator for 16 years, will retire at the conclusion of his term in late November.
The citation said that additionally, he advocated for the B-21, Sentinel and MH-139 programs through both his role on the Civic Leader Program, and as a leader with Task Force 21, whose Nuclear Triad Symposiums have served as a vital platform for both education and advocacy for the nuclear mission.
He routinely advised command senior leaders during annual commander’s conferences on matters affecting community partners, and highlighted community issues key to the Command’s mission. He also enhanced public awareness and support for Global Strike issues through engagements with his local, regional, state and national contacts.
“The distinctive accomplishments of Mr. Burckhard reflect great credit upon himself, Air Force Global Strike Command and the United States Air Force,” the citation concludes.
North Dakota
Armstrong directs flags to be flown at half-staff Friday in honor and remembrance of Rep. Liz Conmy
Conmy died Saturday, April 25, at age 67, along with her partner, Joe Cass, in a plane crash in Minnesota. Conmy had represented District 11 in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2022.
A celebration of life service for Conmy will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at RiverHaven Events Center, 700 1st Ave. N., Moorhead, Minnesota.
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