Press Release  AG Healey Announces Enhanced Resources for Workers to Report Safety Concerns As State Begins Phased Reopening

BOSTON — Recognizing that the health and safety of workers must be a top priority as the state begins its phased reopening of businesses, Attorney General Maura Healey today announced enhanced resources to allow workers to easily report workplace safety concerns to her office.

“As more people across the state head back to the workplace, the health and safety of our workers is paramount,” said AG Healey. “With continued anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, our office has established easier ways for employees to report unsafe working conditions that need to be addressed. We want workers to know that we’re here as a resource and are dedicated to protecting them during this time.”

The AG’s Office has created a new online complaint form specifically for employees to report unsafe working conditions related to COVID-19, including concerns about:

• Cleaning/Disinfection
• Failure to Display Compliance Attestation Poster
• Hygiene
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Requiring Symptomatic Employees to Work
• Retaliation
• Social Distancing

Workers can also call the AG’s dedicated Fair Labor hotline at 617-727-3465 to report concerns. Workers can file complaints or report concerns anonymously.

Governor Baker has implemented mandatory safety standards for workplaces that apply to all workplaces and are designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmissions among workers and customers. All businesses in Massachusetts must develop a written plan for how they will comply with these mandatory standards before they can reopen. A template has been developed to assist businesses in certifying they have and will continue to meet the required standards for operation. In addition, employers must post a completed compliance attestation poster where employees and customers can see it. Employers have the option to print and display Mandatory Safety Standards for Workplaces posters for workers and customers within the workplace. Sector-specific safety protocols have also been developed for businesses in construction, manufacturing, laboratories, hair salons, barbershops, car washes, pet grooming and office spaces. 

AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division is responsible for enforcing state wage, hour and certain workplace laws. Read the AG’s FAQs on employee rights and employer obligations during the COVID-19 emergency, as well as the Rights for Quarantined Workers page. Visit the AG’s COVID-19 resource page for information about how the AG’s Office can help during this crisis. 

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