Gov. Walz signs Worker Safety Bill on Tuesday

(ABC 6 News) – Governor Tim Walz signed a bill on Tuesday morning that his office says will improve worker safety and training standards at oil refineries.

The bill, HF 10, requires a percentage of third-party contractor employees be graduates or apprentices in a registered apprenticeship program. Gov. Walz says these requirements would be phased in over time, and certain exemptions are provided for.

According to the bill, protections for workers include further precautions around the use of heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and more.

“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,” said Gov. Walz. “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.”

“Workers in our oil refineries do tough jobs, and we must do everything in our power to keep them safe. This legislation provides critical improvements to workplace safety and training standards,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I’m grateful to the workers who persistently showed up to make this happen and to our partners in the legislature who are committed to fighting and delivering for workers. Together, we can do right by workers and their families here in Minnesota.”

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.

Watch the bill being signed below courtesy of ABC affiliate, KSTP-TV.