Oklahoma labor commissioner outlines ride safety ahead of state fairs

With state fairs in Oklahoma City and Tulsa approaching, Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborne said public safety remains the department’s top priority.

Appearing on Hot Seat with Scott Mitchell, Osborne said Oklahoma is one of only 32 states that inspects amusement rides, noting the state has lower rates of ride-related injuries and deaths than most.

“Rides are mechanical pieces of equipment that can malfunction,” Osborne said. "At the Oklahoma State Fair, you have three sets."

Calls for focus on local news and transparency

Osborne also discussed broader issues facing the state, including transparency in government and the importance of local news.

“I think that most people are really tired of gaslighting and talking points,” she said. “Please, people, turn off the national news. Start reading your local newspaper. Listen to local broadcasts... about relevant topics. We've got to get away from this polarized, lack of bipartisanship we have, it's absolutely destroying our state and country.”

She encouraged Oklahomans to watch interim legislative studies, which are streamed by the Oklahoma House and Senate, and cover issues such as minimum labor laws and the state’s disabilities waiting list.