ST. PAUL, Minn. — Today, the Minnesota Senate passed Senate File 1346 – also known as the Brady Aune and Joseph Anderson Safety Act. The legislation bolsters workplace safety standards for workers who use scuba gear to clear weeds from lakes, and holds willfully negligent companies accountable.
The bill addresses gaps in state law that led to the tragic deaths of two young Minnesotans, whom the legislation is named after. When signed into law, the legislation will do the following:
- Create a new section of state OSHA law that requires aquatic plant management companies to ensure that employees using scuba gear have specific safety equipment.
- Require that employees have open water SCUBA diving certification from a nationally recognized training provider.
- Require mandatory first aid and CPR training for employees.
- Add worker safety requirements to the DNR’s permitting process for aquatic plant management companies.
- Ensure that companies are aware of state and federal worker safety standards.
- Mandate a third-party hazard survey and consultation for companies seeking permits for aquatic plant removal.
- Require the DNR to deny permits to any company that has received a willful OSHA violation in the prior two years, and revoke a permit if an employer is found to have bypassed safety consultation requirements.
After passage, bill author Senator Liz Boldon (DFL-Rochester) released the following statement:
“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the parents of Brady and Joseph. These unthinkable tragedies were preventable, and I can only imagine the pain that they have felt and are still navigating. Their resilience and advocacy will save lives in our state, and Minnesota owes a great deal to them.
“When folks go to work, they expect their employers to look out for them, especially in hazardous work environments like lakes and waterways. We have a responsibility to make sure that these companies – many of which employ young seasonal workers – are not being negligent and reckless with their employees’ safety. These training and certification requirements will go a long way in our efforts to make sure Minnesota is a safe place for all workers.”
The bill passed by a vote of 54-10 in the Senate. Because a technical amendment was added on the Senate Floor, the bill goes to the House to concur with the changes, before it can be sent to Governor Walz’s desk.
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