OSHA Safety Standard for MA Public Employees

On Wednesday, February 13, The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development heard testimony on legislation that would make OSHA the minimum safety standard for public employees in Massachusetts. There is currently no minimum safety standard to protect public workers in the Commonwealth. SEIU 888 member Fred Simmons, who serves has the chair of the Haverhill custodial chapter, was joined by Political Director Jim Redmond to deliver testimony to the members of the Labor Committee.

Brother Simmons spoke about an accident which resulted in him being out of work for three months because he did not have the proper equipment to complete his job.

The OSHA legislation will now be reviewed by the Committee before further action is taken. Please take a moment to send an email to your state Representative and Senator to register your support for this important legislation.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing to you today in support of House Bill 1866 and Senate Bill 1088 "An Act to Provide a Safe Workplace for Employees of the Commonwealth, Its Independent Authorities and Other Political Subdivisions."

When the OSHA law passed in 1970 it did not require states to apply the new protection standards to public employees. Adoption of the OSHA standard was, and remains, optional.  This legislation would require the state's Division of Occupational Safety (DOS) to apply the federal occupational and health standards to public employees.  In applying those standards, the legislation would also grant DOS the authority to conduct investigations and the power to establish regulations and impose corrective action where violations are found.

Adopting the OSHA standard would afford public employees the same protections as their counterparts in the private sector.  Currently, over 20 states provide equal protections to public and private sector workers.  Massachusetts should be one of those states.  Therefore, I respectfully request that House Bill 1866 and Senate Bill 1088 receive a favorable report from the Joint Committee of Labor and Workforce Development.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your address]

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