(TRENTON) – Outside contractors working in a high-risk chemical or manufacturing facility would be required to meet certain training requirements under legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Anthony Verrelli (D-Mercer, Hunterdon), Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth) and Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex). The measure received final legislative approval on Monday, passing the full Assembly 49-23-1, and the Senate 25-6-0. It now heads to the Governor’s desk.
The bill (A-805), is modeled after regulations proposed in California in response to a fire in 2012 at a Chevron refinery in Richmond, California. The fire resulted in black smoke engulfing the surrounding area forcing thousands of nearby residents to seek medical attention for breathing problems.
Assemblymen Verrelli, Houghtaling and DeAngelo released the following joint statement:
“When working in an environment filled with chemicals and other hazards, there is little room for error. The tiniest mix-up can have drastic consequences, including explosions, fires, and injuries: sometimes, all three. We never want to see what happened in California take place here in New Jersey. While we won’t be able to prevent all accidents, the best way to ensure high-risk manufacturing facilities are able to perform their work safely is to ensure all workers are skilled and trained to do the job.”