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H 4448

An Act requiring OSHA training

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tackey Chan

Requires construction employers to ensure at least 10 hours OSHA training for workers (or proof from contractors), with penalties for noncompliance.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 4448

Summary: H.4448 — An Act requiring OSHA training

Purpose

H.4448 would require certain construction employers in Massachusetts to ensure Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety training for their workers, with additional provisions regarding independent contractors, enforcement penalties, and local permitting guidelines. The bill aims to improve job-site safety and transparency by creating mandatory training, public reporting of violations, and a framework for local permitting actions against violators.

Key Provisions

Section 101 — OSHA Training Requirement

  • Applies to construction industry employers that contract with clients on residential, commercial, or public works projects and are subject to OSHA oversight.
  • Mandates at least 10 hours of OSHA training for employees.
  • If an employer uses independent contractors, the employer must require the independent contractor to provide evidence of completing at least 10 hours of an OSHA-approved training course.
  • Penalties for noncompliance by employers using workers:
    • $1,500 for the first violation
    • $2,500 for the second violation
    • $5,000 for each subsequent violation
  • If a violation results in the death of an employee or contractor, OSHA would be fined $25,000; no fines may be issued until an investigation determines the cause of death.
  • The Massachusetts board (referred to as “the board”) must maintain a public list of violations and the reasons for each violation, accessible to the public.
  • The board will promulgate rules, including:
    • A list of available training providers
    • Guidelines on when employees should be retrained after initial training
    • A mechanism for consumers and employees to report violations

Section 102 — Local Permitting Guidelines

  • The board must issue guidelines to cities and towns about issuing permits to construction employers who violate Section 101 or OSHA, and who have been investigated with fines/penalties.
  • Clarifies that routine home maintenance by homeowners is not restricted.
  • Projects valued at $25,000 or less are exempt from this law.

Who is Affected

  • Construction employers that contract with clients on residential, commercial, or public works projects and fall under OSHA oversight.
  • Employers using independent contractors for construction work.
  • Independent contractors who must provide evidence of completed OSHA training.
  • Local governments (cities/towns) implementing permit controls.
  • Training providers (subject to the board’s approved provider list).

Enforcement and Administration

  • Penalties imposed on noncompliant employers; higher penalties for repeated violations.
  • A public violations list maintained by the board.
  • The board to promulgate regulatory details, including approved training providers and reporting mechanisms.
  • Local permitting authorities may be guided by the new rules when evaluating permit applications.

Timeline and Status

  • Introduced: September 4, 2025.
  • Reported favorably by the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development and referred to the Committee on House Ways and Means (September 4, 2025).
  • New draft referenced: H.2075 (same day).

Potential Impacts

  • Increased training compliance and on-site safety awareness.
  • Additional costs for employers to certify training or contractors to obtain training.
  • Greater transparency through public violation reporting.
  • Local permitting leverage against violators, with exemptions for small projects and routine home maintenance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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