The head of a workplace safety task force has agreed to visit with workers after coming under criticism for allegedly not giving workers fair representation on the task force.

"We do need their input. They are vital," said Gary Hartman, juvenile justice policy adviser to Gov. Dave Freudenthal.

Riverton attorney John Vincent offered to set up meetings with workers in several Wyoming towns.

Hartman recently divided the task force effort into four subcommittees, each working to identify "best practices" in construction, transportation and oil and gas activities.

A fourth subcommittee will make recommendations regarding a centralized database for workplace fatalities -- an effort that parallels work under way by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The full task force is expected to deliver a report and potentially suggest legislation to the Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee when it meets Dec. 7 and 8 in Cheyenne.

But Hartman has faced criticism for allegedly weighting the effort in favor of the very industries under scrutiny for Wyoming’s worst-in-the-nation workplace fatality rate.

The transportation subcommittee is headed by Bruce Hinchey, president of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming.

The oil and gas subcommittee is headed by Paul Ulrich of EnCana Oil and Gas.

The construction subcommittee is headed by Jonathan Downing, executive vice president of the Wyoming Contractors Association.

The data subcommittee is headed by Linda Chasson, administrator of the Preventive Health and Safety Division in the Wyoming Department of Health.

Ulrich and Hinchey recently answered the criticism, noting that they were asked to serve in the leadership positions. They also said there are workers on the committees, and the committees remain open to anyone who wants to participate.

Participating industries have also launched a new Web site, http://WyomingSafety.org, where they intend to share information about safety and best practices.

Contact energy reporter Dustin Bleizeffer at 307-577-6069 or dustin.bleizeffer@trib.com. Go to http://tribtown.trib.com/DustinBleizeffer/blog to read his energy blog