References for OSHA Compliance in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry employs approximately 430 workers throughout the state. The agency oversees the state’s programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, wage and hour standards, and workers’ compensation. Aspects of Minnesota Safety such as occupational safety and health are also under the jurisdiction of the DLI. This is under the MNOSHA auspices and guides compliance with Federal OSHA Standards and Regulations under the OSH Act of 1970.

Minnesota is a State Plan state under OSHA guidelines. OSHA approves and monitors all State Plans and provides as much as fifty percent of the funding for each program to assure Minnesota safety regulation compliance and monitoring. State-run safety and health programs must be at least as effective (ALAE) as the federal OSHA program. OSHA provides coverage to certain workers specifically excluded from a State Plan.

“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.

“Our goals are geared toward reducing and minimizing the impact of workplace injuries and illnesses; helping resolve workplace complaints and disputes; ensuring compliance and awareness about workplace requirements; and assuring quality construction, operation and maintenance of structures. We hope to continually build safer and healthier work environments in Minnesota.” – Commissioner Ken Peterson.

In order to be consistent with federal laws and to provide the highest level of Minnesota safety, MNOSHA has adopted most OSHA standards by reference; however, the State Plan has also adopted unique standards, including but not limited to:

General Industry

• Personal Protective Equipment
• Walking, Working Surfaces
• Vent Pipe Outlets
• Indoor Ventilation and Temperature in Places of Employment
• Carbon Monoxide Monitoring
• Illumination
• Exit and Emergency Lighting
• Ventilation for Garages
• Platform Man-Lifts
• Window Cleaning
• Machine Guarding
• Hazardous Substances
• Harmful Physical Agents
• Infectious Agents
• Safe Patient Handling
• A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) Program

Construction

• Demolition
• Spray Painting of Building Interiors
• Wire Rope Clips
• Walking, Working Surfaces
• Carbon Monoxide Monitoring
• Cranes, Hoists, and Derricks
• Warning Signs at Construction or Engineering Projects
• Sanitation
• Motorized Self-Propelled Vehicles
• Powered Industrial Trucks
• Servicing Multi-piece and Single Piece Rim Vehicles
• Operation of Mobile Earth-Moving Equipment
• Elevating Work Platform Equipment
• Hazardous Substances
• Harmful Physical Agents
• Infectious Agents
• A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) Program

Below are references for Minnesota Safety and Compliance organization. You also might find the Minnesota OSHA Compliance – Safety Lines, the newsletter of Minnesota OSHA, packed with more useful information.

Department of Labor and Industry Offices in Minnesota:

443 Lafayette Road N.
St. Paul, MN  55155
Phone:  (651) 284-5050 or
1-877-470-6742
TTY:  (651) 297-4198

Questions? Contact Minnesota OSHA at (651) 284-5050, osha.compliance@state.mn.us