Minnesota OSHA : What you need to know

• Rules. Minnesota is among the “state plan” states, which means it has received federal approval for its workplace safety and health regulatory program governing both private and public sector workplaces. Minnesota has adopted many of the federal standards by reference.

Minnesota has adopted several workplace safety and health requirements that are stricter than federal rules, including provisions for cranes in construction, employee refusal to work, injury and illness recordkeeping, material handling (including forklifts), permissible exposure limits, and personal protective equipment. The state’s hazard communication standard, or worker “right-to-know” rule, contains additional employee training, communication, and material safety data sheet requirements. For information, see the state sections HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD and SAFETY DATA SHEET.

Employers identified by the NAICS codes listed in the AWAIR regulation must establish a written AWAIR program. Employers with 25 or more employees must set up joint management-employee safety committees.

The MNOSH Act carries both civil and criminal penalties that are stricter than federal standards. See the state section ENFORCEMENT for more information.

• Administration and enforcement. The organizational structure of MNOSHA mirrors the federal agency structure. MNOSHA administers the workplace safety and health rules for private and public sector workplaces, and must consult with Minnesota’s Department of Health on matters relating to occupational health.

Employers identified by the NAICS codes listed in the AWAIR regulation must establish a written AWAIR program with specific actions designed to ...