We are delighted you are considering applying to the MNSTAR program. This booklet has been written to assist you.
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, MNOSHA, created the MNSTAR program to recognize and encourage excellence in occupational safety and health protection. Requirements for participation are based on comprehensive management systems with employees actively involved in anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling the potential safety and health hazards at the site.
You may be considering applying for MNOSHA's premiere program -- MNSTAR -- which is open to companies with comprehensive, successful safety and health programs, that are in the forefront of employee protection. You may also qualify for the Merit designation, created for firms with a strong commitment to safety and health that need a stepping stone to achieve STAR performance.
In any case, applying for MNSTAR is a major undertaking. Preparation of your application will involve a thorough and detailed review of your worksite safety and health program, first by you and then by MNOSHA. As you conduct your own review, you may find there are gaps that need to be filled before you file a formal application with MNOSHA.
During the formal application process, MNOSHA expects each company to describe its program in detail, addressing the required elements for a strong safety and health management system. This booklet outlines the elements MNOSHA looks for when identifying model companies that fit the MNSTAR profile. In your application, the more clearly you describe how you have implemented these elements at your worksite, the more quickly and appropriately MNOSHA can respond to your application.
We are glad you are seriously considering the MNSTAR program and we look forward to receiving your application. MNOSHA's MNSTAR program is a strong component of the "New OSHA's" commitment to partnership with companies that want to do the right thing -- improve worker safety and health.
Companies that wish to apply to the MNOSHA MNSTAR program must first request a
full-service safety and health consultation visit. To do this, contact MNOSHA
Workplace Safety Consultation by
email at
osha.consultation@state.mn.us or by phone at (651) 284-5060 or
1-800-657-3776.
Upon completion or closing of the Workplace Safety Consultation visit, proceed with completing the MNSTAR written application and submit it to the MNOSHA MNSTAR team.
This guide is for you to use as a workbook in evaluating your current worksite safety and health program. From these notes, you can develop a comprehensive description of your program that covers all major elements and sub-elements. Most users find a team approach to preparing the application works best. With a team approach, the pages can be divided among the team members according to the part of the application each is to complete.
The key elements of an effective safety and health management system -- management leadership and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and training -- are the focus of this workbook. As you provide the information asked for in the workbook, you will be providing an overview of your company's safety and health activities. This overview will give you a better understanding of your safety and health system's existing strengths and weaknesses and will help you prepare your application for MNSTAR.
For additional information or for copies of this booklet, write to, call or send an email message to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Workplace Safety Consultation, 443 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4317; (651) 284-5060; osha.consultation@state.mn.us.
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