Massachusetts Workplace Safety and Health Protection for Public Employees

On March 9, 2018 Governor Baker amended M.G.L. Chapter 149 §6 ½ to clarify employee safety requirements in public sector workplaces. These laws are enforced by the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) and went into effect on February 1, 2019.
The amendments clarify that:

• a public sector workplace includes counties, municipalities, all state agencies, quasi-public independent entities, courts, bureaus, commissions, divisions or authorities of the commonwealth, political subdivisions, and public colleges and universities; and
• public sector employers are required to provide methods to reduce work related injury and illness, which meet the minimum requirements provided under OSHA. 

Massachusetts requirements are as strict as OSHA. The original Mass General Laws are still in effect. 454 CMR 25.00 requires all public sector employers to comply with OSHA regulations.