Walz signs Worker Safety Bill on Tuesday

Governor Walz signed a bill Tuesday morning that his office says will improve worker safety at oil refineries.

The bill, HF 10, is expected to benefit skilled and trained contractors working at petroleum refineries. According to the bill, protections for workers include further precautions around the use of heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and more. The bill requires a percentage of third-party contractor employees be graduates or apprentices in a registered apprenticeship program.

“We will not cut corners when it comes to workplace safety in Minnesota. We are adding safeguards and improving training standards, so that workers can return home safe,” Governor Walz said in a statement. “Today, we’re celebrating this win to improve the safety of our oil refineries and recommitting ourselves to the fight to keep our workers and their families safe.

Walz was joined by Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Senator Judy Seeberger, Representative Dave Lislegard, Minnesota Pipe Trades Association President David Ybarra, and members of the building and construction trades.