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October 2016
 
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.
Back-to-school time means changes for teen workers

School-year restrictions are back in place for young Minnesota workers and their employers. Among other things, Minnesota child labor laws restrict how early teen workers can start on a school day and how late they can stay the night before a school day.

A minor age 16 or 17 years old
By state law, 16- and 17-year-old high school students may not work after
11 p.m. on an evening before a school day or before 5 a.m. on school days. 
With written permission from a parent or guardian, these hours may be expanded to 11:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m.

Save the date: National Apprenticeship Week is Nov. 14-20, 2016

This week offers business, labor, education, workforce and community leaders throughout Minnesota and the U.S. the opportunity to highlight successes and share their support for registered apprenticeship.

Share your National Apprenticeship Week activities
Join us and celebrate national Apprenticeship Week by hosting an open house and showcasing your apprentices and apprenticeship programs. Let us know about your plans and if you would like an Apprenticeship Minnesota staff member to participate in your event, contact Rick Martagon at (651) 284-5345.

Deadline to apply for MAI grants is Oct. 26, 2016

Minnesota employers are invited to apply for Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative grants to help them create or expand registered apprenticeship programs in five industries:
  • advanced manufacturing
  • agriculture
  • health care
  • information technology
  • transportation
The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 26, 2016. The initiative, announced in fall 2015, is funded through a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The first of two webinars about the initiative and application process was conducted in September. View a recording of the presentation here.

Over a five-year period, Minnesota will engage more than 100 employers in developing registered programs to recruit, train and retain 1,000 new apprentices in 30 high-growth occupations.
Employers receive $5,000 for each MAI-registered apprentice. This can help offset costs related to program development, instruction, and apprentice supplies and materials. Apprentices are given structured, on-the-job training and related instruction. Numerous Minnesota businesses have created registered apprenticeship programs through the MAI already.
New edition of CCLD Review newsletter sent to subscribers

A new edition of the CCLD Review newsletter was recently sent to subscribers. 

This quarterly publication promotes safe, healthy work and living environments in Minnesota and informs construction and code professionals about the purpose, plans and progress of the Construction Codes and Licensing Division.

Some of the stories in the new edition include:
  • CCLD Fall Seminars scheduled for building officials
  • Staff recognized for accessibility work at U.S. Bank Stadium
  • Contractors urged to keep insurance data updated
  • Residential contractor fined $12,000
  • Master plumber licenses expire Dec. 31, 2016
  • Adoption process started for 2017 National Electrical Code
  • Construction of state's largest solar project underway
  • ... and more.
Minnesota OSHA warns of hazards, offers grain-bin safety tips

As grain farmers and their families empty grain bins in preparation for fall harvest, it is important to be aware of the serious safety hazards.

The moisture of a wet autumn can cause grain to cake or crust at the surface (known as bridging).

Bridged grain is extremely hazardous because it prevents grain flow and hides underlying pockets of air in the grain. Farm workers walking on the bridged surface or attempting to break up the bridged material can fall through and become engulfed in grain.

Farm workers may also be buried by stored grain while the grain is being emptied from the bottom of the bin. Much like quicksand, the flowing grain can pull the worker completely into the bin. The risk of suffocation increases if the grain has spoiled, because it then emits carbon dioxide, which may displace oxygen in the bin.

Storm damage? Do your homework before hiring a contractor
Whether a remodel or clean-up, DLI has resources for consumers

DLI reminds homeowners to do their homework before hiring a building contractor after a storm ... or anytime.

After neighborhoods experience a flood, wind or hail storm, homeowners may find salespeople for these companies going door-to-door soliciting repair work. DLI has resources available to help consumers choose a contractor for a repair or remodel.
Injury, fatality investigation summaries available

Minnesota OSHA Compliance investigated 15 fatalities during federal-fiscal-year 2016, which began Oct. 1, 2015, and  ended Sept. 30, 2016.

Workplace fatality and serious-injury investigation summaries are available each month from Minnesota OSHA Compliance. The reports contain basic information about the business involved, a description of the event and the outcome of the investigation.

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