SB2918 - Illinois Hazardous Materials Workforce Training Act

• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must develop by rule a curriculum of approved advanced safety training for workers at high hazard facilities, with curriculum approved by January 1, 2016.

• Owners and operators of stationary sources in hazardous materials industries (NAICS codes 324110 or 325110) must require contractors and subcontractors to use a skilled and trained workforce for all onsite construction work in apprenticeable building and construction trades.

• "Skilled journeyperson" workers must complete at least 20 hours of approved advanced safety training within the prior 2 calendar years beginning January 1, 2018, and requirements for apprenticeship program graduates escalate from 30% (2015) to 45% (2016) to 60% (2017) of skilled journeypersons.

• Exemptions apply to contracts awarded before January 1, 2015, workforce shortages when qualified workers unavailable within 48 hours, and legitimate emergencies.

• Violations subject to civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation (each day constitutes separate violation), with moneys collected deposited into the Illinois Hazardous Materials Workforce Training Fund for Agency administration and investigation expenses.