Concerns skilled and trained workforce requirements at certain high-hazard industrial facilities.

This New Jersey bill mandates that outside contractors working at high-hazard industrial facilities, such as chemical plants and refineries, must employ a skilled and trained workforce to improve public safety. To achieve this, the legislation requires contractors to pay workers at least the prevailing journeyperson wage or ensure they are enrolled in approved apprenticeship programs that include advanced safety training. Additionally, the bill specifies that a significant portion of journeyperson workers must be graduates of these registered apprenticeship programs to guarantee they have received proper classroom instruction and on-the-job supervision. These measures aim to reduce risks associated with accidents by ensuring that personnel handling hazardous materials possess the necessary expertise and experience.