OSHA TRAINING IN MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts OSHA State Plan Overview

Massachusetts operates an official OSHA-approved State Plan that applies specifically to public sector employers and employees. The Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) is the regulatory authority responsible for implementing and enforcing this plan.

Scope of the Massachusetts State Plan

• Covered:
  The State Plan applies to all public sector workers, including state, county, and municipal employees across Massachusetts.

• Not Covered:
  The private sector remains under Federal OSHA jurisdiction. This includes private businesses, contractors, and workers not employed by state or local government entities.

Authority and Oversight

The Department of Labor Standards (DLS) conducts:

• Workplace inspections

• Enforces applicable safety standards

• Investigates complaints

• Issues citations and penalties where necessary

The DLS also provides training, consultation services, and educational outreach to support compliance and improve workplace safety among public sector employers.

Training and Compliance

Although OSHA does not require formal OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour training courses, both Federal OSHA and the Massachusetts DLS encourage employers to ensure their workers are trained on relevant safety topics. These training programs provide comprehensive overviews of:

• Job-specific hazards

• General workplace safety standards

• Employee rights and employer responsibilities

Training is particularly recommended for:

• Entry-level employees (OSHA 10-Hour)

• Supervisors and safety-sensitive personnel (OSHA 30-Hour)

Federal OSHA in Massachusetts

While the Massachusetts State Plan covers only the public sector, Federal OSHA retains full authority over the private sector and enforces:

• All private employer safety standards

• Worker protections under the Occupational Safety and Health Act

• Anti-retaliation provisions and whistleblower protections