Massachusetts is on the cusp of being approved to have its own OSHA state plan covering state and local government employers.
Federal OSHA published a proposed rulemaking June 29 to approve Massachusetts’ request to adopt its own plan covering the state’s public employers and workers.
The plan would cover approximately 6,500 public sector employers and almost 434,000 public employees throughout the state. Private sector and federally employed workers in Massachusetts would remain under federal OSHA’s jurisdiction.
State and local government employers are excluded from federal coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, but there is a provision for states to assume responsibility for occupational safety and health programs under a state plan, which must be approved by OSHA.
Must be as effective as federal program
The state plan must be at least as effective as the federal program.
If approved, Massachusetts would join 22 other states who have adopted their own occupational safety and health plans.
The NPRM will have a 30-day comment period with comments and requests for a hearing submitted by Aug. 1, 2022.
