House OKs changes to program aimed at reducing workplace accidents

Employers of small businesses could see changes when it comes to reporting accident and injury reduction.

Sponsored by Rep. Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) and Sen. Foung Hawj (DFL-St. Paul), HF2992/ SF2733* would modify a section of the Occupational Health and Safety Acts standards governing the AWAIR, or “A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction” Act, which “requires employers in certain industries to develop written, comprehensive workplace safety and health programs which are based on the North American Industry Classification System.”

Passed 129-0 by the House Tuesday, it now heads to the governor. It was passed 47-18 by the Senate April 27.

The bill would remove the provision that an employer who has less than 51 employees must establish a written workplace accident and injury reduction program that promotes safe and healthful working conditions based on stated goals and objectives for meeting those goals within six months following the date that the North American industry classification applies to employees. The list would be updated every five years instead of two.

“This is a simple little fix,” Rarick said. “The two-year period was complicated and confusing for companies.”