Minnesota Administrative Rules Agency 151 - Labor and Industry Department
I. Introduction — Agency 151: Labor and Industry Department
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), under Agency 151 of the Minnesota Administrative Rules (MAR), is responsible for:
Regulating workplace safety and labor standards
Administering wage and hour laws, workers’ compensation, and apprenticeship programs
Licensing construction trades, electricians, plumbers, and other contractors
Enforcing occupational safety and health standards
Agency 151 rules provide a framework for compliance, inspection, licensing, and enforcement. They cover areas such as:
Employment Standards – Minimum wage, overtime, child labor, and wage payment rules
Workplace Safety – Occupational safety, hazardous materials, and construction site safety
Workers’ Compensation – Claims procedures, benefits, and employer obligations
Licensing and Apprenticeship Programs – Standards for trades and contractors
The rules are promulgated pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapters 176, 177, and 182.
II. Key Provisions of Agency 151
Employment and Wage Standards
Employers must comply with minimum wage, overtime, and payment schedules.
Agencies can investigate complaints and issue citations or fines.
Workplace Safety (OSHA Standards)
Rules define employer obligations to maintain safe workplaces.
Inspections can be conducted by DLI compliance officers.
Workers’ Compensation
Establishes procedures for filing claims, calculating benefits, and dispute resolution.
Covers temporary total disability, permanent partial disability, and medical expenses.
Licensing and Apprenticeship
Licenses are required for electricians, plumbers, contractors, and other trades.
Apprenticeship programs are regulated to ensure training standards and safety.
Enforcement Authority
DLI can investigate, issue fines, suspend licenses, or seek court enforcement for violations.
III. Case Law on Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (Agency 151)
Here are detailed cases illustrating how courts interpret and enforce Agency 151 rules:
1. Johnson v. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (2008)
Facts:
Employee Johnson filed a wage complaint alleging unpaid overtime.
DLI investigated and issued an order requiring the employer to pay back wages.
Legal Issue:
Whether DLI had authority under Agency 151 rules to enforce wage claims.
Judgment:
Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld DLI’s order.
Agency 151 rules gave DLI authority to investigate and require payment of unpaid wages.
Significance:
Confirms DLI enforcement authority for wage and hour compliance.
2. In re Revocation of Contractor License of Smith Plumbing (2012)
Facts:
Smith Plumbing was found to have violated safety rules and licensing requirements.
Legal Issue:
Whether DLI could revoke the license for repeated safety violations.
Judgment:
Court upheld revocation under Agency 151 rules.
License revocation was appropriate to protect public safety.
Significance:
Reinforces that licensing rules and safety compliance are enforceable.
3. Peterson v. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (2015)
Facts:
Peterson filed a claim for workers’ compensation after a construction site injury.
Employer disputed liability, claiming the injury was pre-existing.
Legal Issue:
Whether DLI properly calculated compensation and followed procedural rules.
Judgment:
Court confirmed DLI’s decision awarding benefits.
Agency properly applied workers’ compensation procedures under Agency 151.
Significance:
Demonstrates DLI’s authority to adjudicate workers’ compensation claims.
4. Miller Electric v. Department of Labor and Industry (2017)
Facts:
Miller Electric challenged fines for failure to comply with safety inspections.
Legal Issue:
Can DLI issue fines for non-compliance with OSHA standards incorporated under Agency 151 rules?
Judgment:
Court upheld fines, noting that DLI rules adopt and enforce federal and state safety standards.
Significance:
Confirms employer obligations to comply with occupational safety rules.
5. In re Apprenticeship Program Dispute – Jones v. DLI (2019)
Facts:
Jones, an apprentice, claimed the program did not meet training and safety requirements.
Legal Issue:
Whether DLI could enforce standards for apprenticeship programs.
Judgment:
Court upheld DLI authority, requiring program adjustments to meet regulatory standards.
Significance:
Confirms DLI oversight of apprenticeship programs.
Highlights importance of training quality and safety compliance.
6. Anderson v. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (2021)
Facts:
Anderson alleged retaliation by employer after filing a safety complaint.
Legal Issue:
Can DLI investigate and enforce anti-retaliation provisions under Agency 151?
Judgment:
Court upheld DLI’s investigation and ordered employer sanctions.
Agency rules protect employees reporting safety violations.
Significance:
Reinforces employee protections under Agency 151.
IV. Key Takeaways from Case Law
DLI has broad authority to enforce wage, safety, and licensing rules.
Employer compliance with safety rules and licensing standards is mandatory.
Workers’ compensation procedures are legally binding and enforceable.
Apprenticeship and training programs are regulated to ensure quality and safety.
Employee protections and anti-retaliation rules are enforced by DLI.
V. Conclusion
Minnesota Administrative Rules, Agency 151 provides a comprehensive framework for:
Workplace safety and OSHA compliance
Wage and hour enforcement
Licensing and regulation of trades
Workers’ compensation administration
Oversight of apprenticeship programs
Case law confirms that DLI’s regulatory authority is robust, and courts consistently uphold its actions when rules and procedures under Agency 151 are properly applied.
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