The Billings Gazette reports that Montana ranks among the worst states in the country for workplace injuries and illnesses.

In 2016, 4.2 injuries were reported for every 100 full-time workers in Montana — a slight improvement over the rate of 4.3 reported in 2015, and the fourth straight year in which that number has decreased, according to a report released in November by the Department of Labor and Industry. 2016’s rate places Montana behind only Washington, Vermont and Maine.

Montana has spent more than a decade atop the national rankings for its rate of workplace injuries in the private sector. The lack of workplace safety is a frequent topic of debate in the Montana state legislature. A measure to allow Montana to assume regulatory power held by OSHA was briefly considered in 2015. It was opposed by Republicans.

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