Minnesota Stop Work Order by Letter is a legal document issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to temporarily halt all work activities at a specific job site or project. It serves as a tool for enforcing compliance with state labor laws, codes, and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of workers. When a violation or potential violation of labor standards, safety regulations, or licensing requirements is discovered, the DLI may issue a Stop Work Order by Letter to the responsible party. This letter includes a detailed explanation of the violations and the corresponding corrective actions needed to resume work. The purpose of the Stop Work Order by Letter is to protect workers by preventing further non-compliant activities that could pose risks to their health and safety. It allows the DLI to thoroughly investigate the violations and protect both workers and the public from potential hazards. The order typically specifies a time frame during which work must cease until the issues are resolved. There are several types of Stop Work Orders by Letter that the DLI may issue, depending on the nature and severity of the violations: 1. Standard Stop Work Order: This type is issued for general violations of labor standards or safety regulations that pose immediate risks to worker safety or health. 2. Licensing Violation Stop Work Order: If a contractor or business is found to be operating without the required licenses, permits, or registrations, the DLI can issue this type of order to temporarily halt work until the proper documentation is obtained. 3. Wage and Hour Violation Stop Work Order: This order is issued in cases where employers fail to comply with Minnesota's wage and hour laws, such as paying employees below the minimum wage or not providing the required overtime pay. Work may be stopped until proper payment is made. 4. Prevailing Wage Violation Stop Work Order: If a contractor on a government-funded project fails to pay their employees the prevailing wages as stipulated by law, this type of order can be issued, temporarily halting work until the issue is resolved. 5. Safety Violation Stop Work Order: In situations where serious safety violations are observed, the DLI can issue this order to stop work until the hazardous conditions are mitigated and worker safety is ensured. It is important for businesses and contractors to take any Stop Work Order by Letter seriously and promptly address the violations or discrepancies outlined in the letter. Failure to comply with a stop work order can result in severe penalties, fines, or legal actions, including the suspension or revocation of licenses or permits.