Labor & Employment (Workplace Safety)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 6, 2026

S 2112: An Act relative to increased safety standards in the construction industry

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2112) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to increased safety standards in the construction industry. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates increased safety standards for construction workers, directly enhancing workplace safety protections under Labor & Employment policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1739: An Act to enforce laws protecting worksite safety

This bill (SD 1739) prohibits construction contractors from shifting liability for safety violations through contract terms. It makes any clause in a construction contract that tries to transfer responsibility for safety-related claims, fines, or damages (due to the contractor’s breach of safety duties) invalid and unenforceable. The law directly affects construction companies and contractors who enter contracts requiring them to maintain safe workplaces. Key provisions require contractors to bear their own liability for safety failures, rather than passing it to others via contracts. This ensures accountability for workplace safety under existing laws.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill prohibits contractors from shifting safety liability, directly protecting workers' safety rights under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2782: An Act to prevent heat-related illness in public sector outdoor workers

HD 2782 requires Massachusetts public employers (like state park staff, construction crews, and utility workers) to prevent heat-related illness among outdoor workers. It mandates written prevention plans including regular heat monitoring, access to water and shade, paid rest breaks, emergency response procedures, and annual training for employees and supervisors. The Department of Labor Standards must establish heat exposure standards by January 1, 2027, with public employers required to comply within six months of that date. The law also prohibits retaliation against workers reporting heat-related concerns.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates heat illness prevention for workers, aligning with public health protection under healthcare policies through employer safety requirements.92% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates heat safety measures (water, shade, rest breaks, training) for outdoor workers, directly improving workplace safety protections per Labor & Employment topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workplace Safety

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1856: An Act requiring human service employers to develop and implement programs that prevent workplace violence

This bill requires human service employers (like nursing homes, mental health facilities, and licensed social service agencies employing five or more people) to create workplace violence prevention programs. It mandates annual risk assessments considering factors such as working alone at night, high-crime areas, or handling crisis situations, followed by written prevention plans including staff training and incident reporting systems. Employers must also establish crisis response teams for staff affected by violence and provide support like counseling. Violations can result in fines up to $2,000 per offense.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates workplace violence prevention programs including risk assessments, staff training, and incident reporting, directly enhancing worker safety in human service settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 22, 2025

S 1348: An Act to enforce laws protecting worksite safety

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1348) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to enforce laws protecting worksite safety. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly enforces worksite safety laws, directly protecting workers' rights and improving workplace safety standards under Labor & Workforce Development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development Workplace Safety

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passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 4, 2025

H 2096: An Act relative to workplace safety and disclosure of violations

By Representative DuBois of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2096) of Michelle M. DuBois relative to workplace safety. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates disclosure of workplace safety violations, strengthening worker protections and transparency in safety compliance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development Workplace Safety

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 16, 2026

H 2101: An Act to enforce laws protecting worksite safety

By Representative Finn of West Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2101) of Michael J. Finn for legislation to enforce laws protecting worksite safety. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly enforces worksite safety laws, directly protecting workers' rights and improving workplace safety standards per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development Workplace Safety

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1068: An Act relating to fair pay and safe workplaces

HD 1068 requires state contractors and subcontractors to disclose any workplace law violations (such as wage theft, safety issues, or discrimination) from the past three years as part of bidding for state contracts. It directly affects businesses seeking state contracts by mandating this disclosure and requiring biannual updates on compliance. State contracting officers must consider these disclosures when awarding contracts and may take corrective actions, including terminating contracts, for serious violations. The bill covers violations of key federal and state laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act, OSHA, and Massachusetts Chapter 151B, but does not create new workplace protections.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires disclosure of workplace violations (wage theft, safety issues) for state contractors, strengthening accountability and protecting workers' rights through enforcement mechanisms.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workplace Safety

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1595: An Act relative to defense against abusive waivers

This bill (SD 1595) bans employment contracts from requiring employees to waive legal rights related to discrimination, retaliation, harassment, unpaid wages, or workplace safety violations. It makes such waivers void and unenforceable, prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who refuse these waivers, and allows employees to sue for damages if they face retaliation. Employers who enforce invalid waivers must pay damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies to contracts signed after its effective date and ensures courts - not arbitrators - decide if waiver clauses apply to protected claims.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBans waivers for discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wages, workplace safety; prohibits retaliation; allows lawsuits. Directly protects workers' rights under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination Workplace Safety

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2051: An Act relative to workplace safety and disclosure of violations

SD 2051 requires contractors bidding on government contracts over $50,000 to disclose any recent OSHA violations (within the last 4 years) for themselves or affiliated businesses, including proof that hazards were corrected. It also mandates that contractors ensure subcontractors disclose similar violations and update this information every 6 months. For trench excavation permits, applicants must disclose OSHA violations, permit suspensions, fines, or site shutdowns related to trench work. The law aims to inform contracting decisions by making safety violation history a factor in determining a contractor's "responsibility." This directly affects businesses seeking state government contracts or trench excavation permits.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates disclosure of OSHA violations and proof of corrections for contractors, directly improving workplace safety standards and holding entities accountable for safety compliance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

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