WY industry, survivors fight over liability bill CHEYENNE, WYO. (wpr) - The state's oil and gas industry is aiming to kill a proposed bill whose proponents say would help make Wyoming's workplaces safer.

The Joint Judiciary Committee on Monday is due to vote on whether to take up the measure, known as "Duty owed to employees of independent contractors."

According to the bill, owners of worksites would owe a duty of reasonable care to employees of independent contractors - even when the employees are injured doing the work the contractor was hired to perform.

Gov. Dave Freudenthal has sided with industry, saying the measure could increase lawsuits without boosting safety.

Family members of those who have died working drilling rigs say something is needed to hold the energy industry more accountable when negligence results in tragic mishaps.
© Copyright 2012, wpr