HomeMy Public PortalAboutWorkplace Saftey and Health Protection for Public EmployeesTHE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTSEXECUTIVE OFFICE OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTDEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 149, §§ 6 and 6-1/2 provide job safety and health
protection for state, municipal and county workers through the promotion of safe and
healthful work conditions. In addition, 454 CMR 25 directly extends OSHA regulations to
executive branch state agencies.
Employers: Employers are required to provide procedures, equipment and training
to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
Employees: Employees are required to comply with the policies and procedures
established in their workplace to reduce work-related injuries
and illnesses.
Inspection: The Department of Labor Standards (“DLS”) may conduct an on-site
inspection to evaluate workplace conditions and make recommendations
for the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses. See “Inspection
Summary” at www.mass.gov/dols/wshp.
Enforcement: DLS may issue a Written Warning which contains an Order to Correct when
an inspection reveals a condition which could cause a work-related injury
or illness. DLS may issue a Civil Citation with Civil Penalty in circumstances
when the employer repeatedly allows an unsafe condition to occur,
the condition has already caused a serious work-related injury, or if the
employer has ignored a previous Written Warning.
Voluntary Public sector workplaces may request technical assistance by contacting
Assistance: DLS at 508-616-0461 or safepublicworkplace@state.ma.us. There are no
written warnings or penalties issued for voluntary assistance.
Complaints: Public employees or their representatives may file a complaint about
safety and health conditions at their workplace by contacting DLS at
508-616-0461 or safepublicworkplace@state.ma.us.
Safety and Health Sample safety programs and technical bulletins are available at
Management: www.mass.gov/dols/wshp.
www.mass.gov/dols/wshp 508-616-0461
Massachusetts Workplace Safety and Health Protection
for Public Employees
Rev. 3-15