If you work in the public sector and believe your workplace is unsafe or unhealthy, you have the right to file a complaint.
- This page, Report a public sector workplace safety and health concern, is offered by
- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
- Department of Labor Standards
Report a public sector workplace safety and health concern
The Details
What you need to know
The Department of Labor Standards (DLS) investigates workplace safety and health complaints involving public-sector employers in Massachusetts. Public sector employers include:
- State, county, and municipal employers, including police, fire, and public works departments
- Quasi-public agencies, such as Massport, the MBTA, and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
- Water and sewer districts and commissions
- Public K–12 schools, colleges, and universities
If you believe you've experienced retaliation for reporting a workplace safety or health concern, file a whistleblower complaint.
Private sector workplaces
Workplace safety and health complaints involving private-sector employers are overseen by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If you think that an employer did not follow workplace laws, you may file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office (AGO).
How to report
- Public workplace safety and health compliant form (DLS)
- Private sector workplace safety and health compliant form (OSHA)
After you submit your complaint, the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) will review the information you provide to determine whether it describes a potential workplace safety or health violation.
Depending on the complaint, DLS may:
-
Conduct a site inspection
A DLS inspector may contact the employer to schedule an on-site inspection.
Request corrective action
DLS may send the employer a letter requiring a response and documentation showing the hazard has been corrected.
Respond immediately to imminent dangers
If workers face an immediate risk of serious injury or death, DLS may contact the employer or visit the workplace the same day.
Refer or close the complaint
If the issue is outside DLS's jurisdiction, DLS may refer it to the appropriate agency or determine that no investigation is warranted.
More Info
- You'll receive confirmation once DLS receives your compliant if you provide your contact information.
- Site inspections are prioritized based on the severity of the hazard—not in the order complaints are received.
- If you request anonymity, DLS will not share your name with the inspector or employer. However, your complaint may need to be disclosed if required during legal proceedings.
- If you provide an email address, DLS will notify you when your case is closed.
If you're unsure whether DLS has jurisdiction or whether your concern may violate workplace safety and health regulations, call (508) 616-0461 (Option 1) or email SafePublicWorkplaceMailbox@mass.gov.
Contact
Address
DLS Workplace Safety and Health for Public Employees Program, 72 School Street, Taunton, MA 02780Related
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