Minnesota bill would create protections for meatpacking workers

Minnesota lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require meatpacking companies to create safe worker programs, conduct ergonomic assessments and offer paid sick leave for workers.

H.B. 800, introduced Monday, would require meat processors to create a work accident and injury reduction program that includes ergonomic assessments, a hazard prevention and control plan, training on safety and the early signs of repetitive motion injuries, engineering and administrative hazard controls and pandemic protections consistent with federal guidelines.

The legislation would require the program to be developed and implemented by a committee including a certified ergonomist, a board-certified physician and at least three employees.

The bill would also create a meatpacking industry worker right coordinator, appointed by the Department of Labor and Industry commissioner, to inspect, review and recommend improvements to the practices and procedures of meatpacking operations in the state.

The legislation also contains provisions that would provide unemployment to workers who refused to work because of an unreasonable risk of illness or injury, paid sick leave for workers and anti-retaliation provisions.

The bill has been referred to the committee on labor, industry, veterans and military affairs finance and policy.