HF 4072

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/09/2020 06:03pm

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; requiring the Department of Agriculture to enable farm
safety consultants to perform certain workplace safety surveys; expanding eligibility
for certain workplace safety grants and loans; amending Minnesota Statutes 2018,
section 79.253, subdivision 2a; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 17.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [17.1075] FARM SAFETY.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of labor and industry, shall
develop guidance, instructions, and materials necessary for Department of Agriculture farm
workplace safety and health consultants to perform the on-site surveys required for eligible
employers to apply for loans or grants from the assigned risk safety account under section
79.253.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 79.253, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Eligible applicants.

An employer is eligible to apply for a grant or loan under
this section if the employer meets the following requirements:

(1) the employer's workers' compensation insurance is provided by the assigned risk
plan, is provided by an insurer subject to penalties under chapter 176, or the employer is
self-insured;

(2) the employer has had an on-site safety survey conducted by a Minnesota occupational
safety and health investigator, a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry workplace
safety and health consultant, new text begin a Minnesota Department of Agriculture consultant qualified
in farm workplace safety and health, new text end an in-house employee safety and health committee, a
workers' compensation underwriter, a private safety consultant, or a person under contract
with the assigned risk plan; and

(3) the on-site safety survey recommends specific safety practices or equipment designed
to reduce the risk of illness or injury to employees.