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Massachusetts · Workplace safety

The workplace safety (OSHA) rules in force in Massachusetts now.

Federal OSHA for private employers; Massachusetts State Plan (DLS Workplace Safety and Health Program for Public Employees) covers state and local government workers only. Enforced by U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA (private sector); Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (public sector only). Checked on the primary source; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Workplace safety in Massachusetts

Checked on the source
In force

Federal OSHA for private employers; Massachusetts State Plan (DLS Workplace Safety and Health Program for Public Employees) covers state and local government workers only

The Massachusetts State Plan covers state and local government workers only; federal workers and private-sector employers fall under federal OSHA. Initial approval was Aug 18, 2022 (87 FR 50766). Federal HazCom 2024 employer dates are Nov 20, 2026 (substances) and May 19, 2028 (mixtures).

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA (private sector); Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (public sector only)

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

HazCom Nov 20, 2026

HazCom employer compliance Nov 20, 2026 (substances)

The federal layer

The federal layer applies in every state: OSHA's Hazard Communication update (91 FR 1695) sets November 20, 2026 for substances and May 19, 2028 for mixtures. State-plan states enforce it through their own agency.

Dated items

Next 24 months
Nov 20, 2026
OSHA Hazard Communication (2024 update, dates extended four months): employers must update workplace labeling, HazCom program and training for substancesFederal OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200
Confirmed date
May 19, 2028
OSHA Hazard Communication (2024 update): employer compliance date for mixtures (labeling, HazCom program, training)Federal OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200
Confirmed date

What a building has to do

6 recurring duties

These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.

One-time deadline
Hazard Communication: written program, labels and retraining for substances29 CFR 1910.1200; 91 FR 1695 · Federal OSHA or state plan · Checked against the source 2026-09-26. Source
Annual
Lockout/tagout: written energy-control procedures; at least once a year an authorized employee who does not use a procedure inspects it, and the employer certifies the inspection (equipment, date, employees involved, inspector)29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4) and (c)(6) · Federal OSHA or state plan; owner documents · Checked against the source 2026-09-28. Source
Every 5 years
Electrical safety: qualified-person training for anyone who works on or near energized equipment, and the arc-flash incident energy analysis reviewed for accuracy at least every 5 years, with equipment labels kept current29 CFR 1910.332; NFPA 70E-2024, 130.5(G) · Federal OSHA or state plan; qualified engineer or trainer · Checked against the source 2026-09-28. Source
Annual
Confined spaces: identify permit-required spaces (vaults, tanks, pits, sewage wells) and post danger signs; if staff enter, keep a written permit program, keep cancelled permits at least a year, and review the program within a year after each entry (one annual review can cover them all)29 CFR 1910.146(c), (d)(14) and (e)(6) · Federal OSHA or state plan · Checked against the source 2026-09-28. Source
Annual
Injury records: post the OSHA 300A annual summary from February 1 through April 30; hotels and motels (NAICS 7211) with 20 or more employees at the establishment also submit it electronically by March 2 (100 or more: the 300 and 301 too)29 CFR 1904.32 and 1904.41, Appendices A and B to Subpart E · Federal OSHA or state plan · Checked against the source 2026-09-28. Source
Annual
Emergency action and fire prevention plans, where another OSHA standard requires them: in writing (employers with 10 or fewer employees may give them orally); the emergency plan reviewed with each employee at initial assignment, when duties change and when the plan changes29 CFR 1910.38 and 1910.39 · Federal OSHA or state plan · Checked against the source 2026-09-28. Source

Questions about the workplace safety (OSHA) rules in Massachusetts

Which OSHA rules apply in Massachusetts today?

Federal OSHA for private employers; Massachusetts State Plan (DLS Workplace Safety and Health Program for Public Employees) covers state and local government workers only. The Massachusetts State Plan covers state and local government workers only; federal workers and private-sector employers fall under federal OSHA. Initial approval was Aug 18, 2022 (87 FR 50766). Federal HazCom 2024 employer dates are Nov 20, 2026 (substances) and May 19, 2028 (mixtures).

Who enforces the workplace safety (OSHA) rules in Massachusetts?

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA (private sector); Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (public sector only).

What changes next for the workplace safety (OSHA) rules in Massachusetts?

HazCom Nov 20, 2026. HazCom employer compliance Nov 20, 2026 (substances)

Other areas in Massachusetts

Everything in force in Massachusetts
Fire code527 CMR 1.00 Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, based on NFPA 1 (2021 edition) …Building code780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code, 10th edition, based on 2021 IBC/IRC/IEBC/IMC/IE…Elevators524 CMR (effective Jun 1, 2018): ch. 35 adopts ASME A17.1-2013 and ch. 38 adopts ASME A18.…BoilersMGL c.146 + 522 CMR (Board of Boiler Rules, within DFS); heating-boiler rules 522 CMR 4.00…Pools and spas105 CMR 435.000 State Sanitary Code Chapter V, Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools (DPH, …Hotels and lodgingLocal innholder license (MGL c.140 s.2) + annual Certificate of Inspection for R-1 hotels/…Retrofit and recertificationMGL c.148 s.26A 1/2: buildings over 70 ft built before Jan 1, 1975 must be sprinklered; s.…

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