Massachusetts Updates for Public Employee Safety

Mandatory Change: Employers in this state must replace their current labor law poster to remain compliant. Our All In One Poster includes the updated required notices in one convenient format.

Need an Updated Massachusetts Public Sector Labor Law Poster?

What Employers Need to Know

Massachusetts has released an updated Workplace Safety and Health Protection for Public Employees notice from the Department of Labor Standards (DLS). The revised notice, marked Rev. 3/2026, took effect in September 2026 and adds a requirement for employers to notify DLS of serious workplace injuries, along with a clearer statement of employee safety rights. This notice is required for public sector employers only, including state, county, and municipal workplaces, public schools, colleges and universities, and quasi government agencies.

What Changed

• The Employers section now requires employers to notify DLS if an injury results in a fatality, inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye
• The Employees section changed from a duty to follow workplace safety policies to a statement of employee rights: a safe workplace, the right to report an injury or illness, and the right to speak with their employer about safety concerns without retaliation
• The Inspection and Enforcement sections were combined into one shorter Inspection section, which notes that a $1,000 penalty may be issued for each violation
• The Complaints section was shortened to state that employees have the right to file a complaint with DLS
• Voluntary Assistance was renamed SafetyWorks! and now identifies the technical assistance as free
• Safety and Health Management was renamed Safety Management and now lists safety checklists alongside sample programs and technical bulletins
• DLS contact information was moved into a single contact section at the bottom of the notice; the phone number, email, and website remain the same

The core requirement has not changed: under 454 CMR 25.00, all public sector employers must comply with OSHA standards. What is new is that serious injury reporting and employee rights now appear directly on the poster. DLS guidance calls for fatalities to be reported within 8 hours, and inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, and loss of an eye within 24 hours. DLS has also released the revised notice in Spanish.

Key Details Included in the Notice

The notice outlines the responsibilities and rights of Massachusetts public sector employers and employees, including:

• 454 CMR 25.00 requires all public sector employers to comply with OSHA regulations
• Employers must provide procedures, equipment, and training to prevent work related injuries and illnesses
• Employers must notify DLS when an injury results in a fatality, inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye
• DLS conducts onsite inspections to evaluate compliance with OSHA regulations
• Employers may request free technical assistance, and no penalties are issued for voluntary assistance
• Sample safety programs, checklists, and technical bulletins are available at mass.gov/dols/wshp
• DLS can be reached at (508) 616-0461 x1 or safepublicworkplacemailbox@mass.gov

Employees have the right to a safe workplace and the right to file a complaint with DLS about safety and health conditions. Employers may not retaliate against employees for reporting an injury or illness or for raising safety concerns.

Other Workplace Posting Requirements

• Check our Poster Update Log for the Massachusetts Public Entities poster to review this update and track other recent Massachusetts labor law poster changes in the Poster Content section.

Where Can I Find More Information?

All In One Poster Company provides updated, compliant labor law posters for all 50 states, helping employers stay confident their workplace postings meet current requirements. Learn more by visiting our website: www.allinoneposters.com

Visit the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards Workplace Safety and Health Program for more information or to file a complaint.