October 2026

Reflecting on Workplace Rights Week

Thank you to everyone who helped make Workplace Rights Week (Sept. 13-19, 2026) a success. The week highlighted the importance of educating workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Safe and healthy workplaces strengthen Minnesota's economy and communities, and it is essential that Minnesotans understand their workplace rights and feel empowered to assert them. Throughout the week, DLI staff members visited more than 1,500 businesses across Minnesota to share information about workplace rights. Staff members also connected with workers and employers by meeting with more than 75 community organizations statewide. Learn more at dli.mn.gov/rights-week.

Webinar:  Earned sick and safe time (ESST) law updates

This webinar will cover recent updates to the ESST law, including changes to eligibility, accrual, usage and employer obligations. Whether you are a worker or an employer, join us to learn how these changes may affect your workplace.

• Oct. 14, from 2-3 p.m. Register for the webinar.

News for construction trades professionals

A new edition of the CCLD Review newsletter for Minnesota construction trades professionals was recently sent to subscribers. View the new edition to catch-up on news about seminars, building codes, licensing and more.

Mental health resources for the construction trades

Construction remains one of the most demanding professions both physically and mentally. Seasonal layoffs, isolation and cold-weather fatigue add additional challenges for Minnesota workers. To address these realities, we have added a new mental health resource page to our website focused on the construction industry.

Open information session for workforce development partners

Help us strengthen Minnesota's workforce systems by sharing your ideas to better align registered apprenticeship and workforce development efforts. All workforce development professionals are invited to attend the webinar at 1 p.m., Oct. 21. Learn more and register.

Learn about dual training and share industry feedback

Join us Oct. 22 for an introductory webinar about the basics of employment-based training and how to set up a dual-training initiative at your company. In November, attend an Industry Forum to provide feedback about in-demand occupations in your industry and help our team develop new occupations that will become eligible for Pipeline programming. Sign up for a Dual-Training Pipeline event.

2026 Workers' Compensation Summit is Thursday, Oct. 22

The Department of Labor and Industry will host the 2026 Workers' Compensation Summit -- Sharing Knowledge, Shaping Solutions -- on Thursday, Oct. 22, in Bloomington, Minnesota. This one-day event is geared toward all workers' compensation stakeholders, including attorneys, employers, insurers, medical providers, rehabilitation providers, public officials and others. Learn more and register to attend at dli.mn.gov/Summit.

MNOSHA fatality, serious-injury investigation summaries online

Each month, Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) Compliance publishes current, updated summaries of its fatality investigations and serious-injury investigations.

For the federal-fiscal-year that began Oct. 1, 2025, MNOSHA has investigated 30 fatalities through Sept. 28.

The information provided about each investigation is:  the inspection number, date of incident and worksite city; the type of business and number of employees; a description of the event; and the outcome of the MNOSHA Compliance investigation.

• View the summaries.

Subscribe for news from DLI

Did you know the Department of Labor and Industry offers more than two dozen email lists for news targeted to specific groups? Learn more and sign up.

The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota's work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe.