The law has been updated to contain phrases of OSHA compliance since it was written prior to OSHA inception. OSHA will continue to oversee federal and private entities.
The Mass DLS will oversee the Massachusetts Public Sector while following the general duty clause and practices outlined by OSHA. Neither supersede each other.
Mass Department of Labor Standards
DLS administers health and safety inspections of public sector workplaces. The update clarifies the obligations of public sector employers.
Hefty fines are issued if corrective orders for infractions are not addressed within a specific time frame.
All DLS inspections are scheduled except for higher-risk sites labeled as “imminent” inspection sites where active trenches, aerial lifts operations, and roofing are active.
Defining Public Sector
The public sector workplace is anyone overseen by the Commonwealth: courts, municipalities, state agencies, counties, towns, commissions, and educators from public & private schools and colleges.
The requirements are to ensure workers are able to perform jobs safely and in compliance with OSHA regulations.
A checklist has been issued by the commonwealth to provide guidance.
Injury Reporting
If you have a public sector workplace injury that causes a death, amputation, loss of an eye, loss of consciousness, or inpatient hospitalization, call 508-616-0461 within 24 hours to report the injury.
Keep an updated OSHA 300 log.
Call us at 877-399-1698 if you need training on record keeping or check out our public training schedule or online courses.
Be sure to keep an eye on our upcoming blog that dives a bit deeper into injury reporting.