Resolve, To Direct the Department of Labor To Coordinate a Task Force To Examine and Study Issues Relating to Workplace Safety and Workplace Violence

Sec. 1. Coordination of task force. Resolved: That the Department of Labor shall coordinate a task force to examine and study workplace safety and workplace violence. Membership in the task force must be composed of a member of the family of a workplace violence victim and one representative from each of the following:

1. The State Police;

2. The Maine Sheriffs’ Association;

3. The Maine Women’s Lobby;

4. The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence;

5. The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault;

6. The Maine Merchants’ Association;

7. The New England Convenience Store Association;

8. The Maine Restaurant Association; and

9. The Maine AFL-CIO; and be it further

Sec. 2. Task force study. Resolved: That the task force under section 1, assisted by the Department of Labor, shall study issues relating to the workplace in order to improve safety and reduce workplace violence. As part of its study, the task force shall review the laws and policies of other states and the Federal Government and any reports or analyses regarding the effectiveness of laws and policies in other jurisdictions. The study must include an examination of the following issues and any other issues the department or a member of the task force determines appropriate:

1. The adequacy of current laws and standards that address workplace safety and workplace violence and the need for, or benefit of, developing a comprehensive policy on violence in the workplace that consolidates and supplements existing provisions of law in order to improve safety and reduce violence in the workplace;

2. The need for, or benefit of, requiring the use of “panic buttons” or other security systems in businesses open beyond regular business hours;

3. The need for, or benefit of, requiring the posting of laws and policies relating to workplace safety and workplace violence in all places of employment; and

4. The need for, or benefit of, requiring notification to employees of laws and policies relating to workplace safety and workplace violence and education and training regarding workplace safety and workplace violence for all employees, particularly new employees, and management; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That the task force under section 1, assisted by the Department of Labor, shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over labor matters by January 15, 2007 regarding the study conducted pursuant to this resolve. The report must include findings, recommendations and any proposed implementing legislation. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over labor matters may report out legislation relating to the subject matter of the study to the First Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.