St. Paul, MN – A shutdown of the Minnesota state government has forced the state’s occupational safety and health program to halt several safety training and enforcement activities.
After legislators and the governor failed to reach a budget agreement June 30, the state’s non-priority functions ceased, including Minnesota OSHA’s programmed inspections and OSHA safety training or workplace consultations, among several other activities. The only actions the agency currently is taking include:
- Inspections at sites where imminent danger or a catastrophic situation exists
- Inspections for fatalities, serious injuries or high-gravity complaints
- Payment of workers’ compensation benefits to employees of uninsured or bankrupt employers
- General support for critical services
Minnesota is attempting to close a $1.4 billion gap between two budget proposals. Republican legislators have called for additional spending cuts, while Gov. Mark Dayton (D) has called for additional tax revenue.
