Large food processors would train workers and form safety committees

Employers would give new employees safety and rights information and provide paid safety training. These rules apply to businesses with at least 100 employees at one facility that meet the bill’s food industry and registration criteria. Information must be provided in a language spoken by at least 5% of the employer’s workforce; training must be available in languages spoken by at least 5% of employees. Training must take place during normal work hours, at the regular rate of pay, and without a penalty from the employer. Employers would give the information upon hire. Workers could request additional training within 30 days of their hire date.

Employers would establish joint worker and management safety committees, and the labor secretary would appoint a coordinator to help enforce the rules. Covered employers would have a separate committee at each facility, with at least two worker representatives and two employer representatives and equal numbers from each side. Worker representatives could take reasonable paid time for committee duties. Committees would inspect workplaces, review injuries and complaints, and propose ways to address hazards. A collective bargaining agreement could waive a provision only if it names the section being waived. An employer and union could also opt out by mutual written agreement. Committees would meet at least monthly, and employers would provide annual training for committee members.

Employers would pay certain emergency transport expenses, and the department could penalize employers that fail to comply. The transport rule covers employees who become ill or injured at a facility because of their job duties. Employers could not punish workers for exercising rights under the bill. Employers would pay out-of-pocket emergency transport expenses not covered by insurance when a worker’s job-related injury or illness requires immediate care unavailable from an on-site licensed medical professional. After investigating and finding noncompliance, the department could assess $500 per day until the failure is fixed. If it remains unfixed after 10 days, the department could assess up to $10,000 per day for each day beyond 10. The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.