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The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) has adopted many federal OSHA standards and incorporates them by reference. MNOSHA has additional state requirements for employers whose employees may be exposed to infectious diseases in the workplace.
Summary of state regulations
Minnesota Administrative Rule Chapter 5206 (Hazardous Substances; Employee Right-to-Know) applies to all employers and employees in the state of Minnesota, with some exceptions (farms, labs, waste service employers, and more; see 5206.0300).
A list of the current infectious agents covered by this rule can be found at 5206.0600, Subparts 4-8. The list includes bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic and rickettsial diseases.
Employers must provide training to employees who may be exposed to infectious agents. Employers must keep records of such training. Training requirements are listed at 5206.0700 and include:
Making training available at no cost to employees;
Developing a written Employee Right-to-Know program;
Developing a written exposure control plan; and more.
The training program for employees who are regularly exposed to infectious agents must include the following:
An explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms of infectious diseases;
Appropriate methods for recognizing activities that might involve exposure to infectious agents;
An explanation of the employer’s exposure control plan;
Procedures to follow if an exposure occurs; and more.