This bill amends existing legislation regarding skilled and trained workforce requirements at high-hazard industrial facilities in New Jersey. It expands the definition of "covered high-hazard industrial facilities" to include any stationary source or industrial facility that generates, stores, handles, treats, processes, refines, transports, or uses hazardous chemicals or petroleum products, and is required to submit a Risk Management Plan under the federal Clean Air Act or comply with relevant safety management standards. The bill removes specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and instead focuses on safety-related criteria to determine which facilities are subject to these requirements.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the necessity of employing a skilled and trained workforce for onsite work at these facilities, mandating that contractors and subcontractors utilize workers who are either registered apprentices or skilled journeypersons. It introduces new provisions that highlight the importance of advanced safety training and the economic incentives for both employers and workers to ensure safety and compliance. The legislation aims to reduce risks to public health and safety, protect the environment, and foster workforce development through registered apprenticeship programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:11-56.72, 34:11-56.73, 34:11-56.74