5 Worst States to Work in the US

In this article, we will look at the 5 worst states to work in the US.  We have also discussed the state of labor unions and occupational fatal rates in the US that have direct implications for workers. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 15 Worst States to Work in the US.

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5. North Dakota

Union Affiliation Rank: 15

Fatality Rate Rank: 3

Average Rank: 9

North Dakota, with 34 work-related deaths reported in 2021, is one of the most unsafe states for workers, according to a recent report. Despite other states recording higher fatality counts, North Dakota tops the list for workplace hazards. With an alarming rate of 1.7 OSHA work-related fatalities per hundred thousand workers, the state has become concerned for workplace safety.

The reasons behind North Dakota’s dismal worker safety record are multifaceted. One issue is the state’s lenient Worker Compensation laws, coupled with a lack of strict regulatory oversight. Unlike many states with their own employee safety programs, North Dakota relies solely on federal OSHA enforcement, with a paltry seven inspectors assigned to cover the entire state. This shortage translates to an estimate of 150 years to inspect every employer, leaving workers at higher risk in sectors like agriculture, construction, and oil fields.