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November 2015
 
Below is a recap of recent news from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. DLI oversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, and workers' compensation.

Apprenticeship Week in Minnesota is Nov. 2-8

Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed the week of Nov. 2-8, 2015, as Apprenticeship Week in Minnesota. All over the state and across the nation, registered apprenticeship is being celebrated during the National Apprenticeship Week. 



New edition of Apprenticeship Works 
newsletter sent to subscribers

A new edition of Apprenticeship Minnesota's quarterly newsletter -- Apprenticeship Works -- was recently sent to subscribers. Some of the stories in the new edition include:
  • Minnesota awarded $5M grant to expand apprenticeship
  • Bricklayers host open house 
  • Safety -- a large part of Minnesota registered apprenticeship
  • and more ...

Survey shows Minnesota workplace injury and illness rate sets new all-time low

Minnesota's estimated workplace injury and illness rate for 2014 decreased to its lowest rate since measurement started in 1973. According to the annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, the state had an estimated 3.7 OSHA-recordable nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time-equivalent (FTE) workers in 2014. This is down from the estimated rate of 3.9 cases per 100 FTE workers in both 2013 and 2012, and below the previous low rate of 3.8 cases per 100 FTE workers in 2009.

The survey estimated the number of Minnesota's OSHA-recordable nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses to be 78,700 for 2014, down from 81,200 for 2013, but above the low mark of 75,400 cases in 2011.

"In the past decade, Minnesota has seen a 30 percent decrease in its rate of work-related injuries and illnesses," said Ken Peterson, Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) commissioner. "While this is good news overall, there is still much work to do to improve workplace safety and health to ensure more workers go home safe and healthy each night."
Updated electrical code bulletins available

  DLI's electrical inspection staff recently updated and made available online a large selection of electrical codes and standards bulletins.

These informational fliers include topics such as wiring practices, the impact on electrical systems of moving structures, carbon monoxide requirements and much more.
October edition of Safety Lines available online

The newest edition of Safety Lines, the quarterly newsletter from Minnesota OSHA, was published in October.

The edition includes information about:  new accident reporting requirements that became effective Oct. 1; where to find online summaries of fatality and serious-injury investigations each month; MNOSHA's recent participation in oil-spill and active-shooter drills; training opportunities; workplace illness rates in Minnesota; worksites recognized and awarded for achieving exemplary safety and health goals; answers to frequently asked questions; and more.

The newsletter is a joint effort of Minnesota OSHA Compliance, Minnesota OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation and DLI's Research and Statistics unit.

Online summaries from Minnesota OSHA available
Reports contain fatality, serious-injury investigation information

Available online each month are summaries from Minnesota OSHA Compliance of its fatality and serious-injury investigations for the federal fiscal-year. The reports contain basic information about the business involved, a description of the event and the outcome of the investigation.

Minnesota OSHA Compliance investigated 20 fatalities in federal-fiscal-year 2015.

The summaries, plus other helpful workplace safety and health information from Minnesota OSHA, are online at www.dli.mn.gov/OSHA/Information.asp

Brief workers' compensation videos provide guidance

A new series of brief videos provides information about workers' compensation forms, medical benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits and coverage requirements.

The videos are online at www.dli.mn.gov/WC/Videos.asp
"Labor and Industry is committed to ensuring equitable, healthy and safe work and living environments in Minnesota. Through outreach, education and compliance efforts, we strive to improve the quality of life for Minnesota workers and their families."
-- DLI Commissioner Ken Peterson