- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
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Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today launched the SafetyWorks Initiative, including grant funding and free technical consultation for employers to improve safety in the workplace. As part of SafetyWorks, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) announced $800,000 in grants to train 13,832 workers at 160 organizations across Massachusetts. The grants, administered by the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA), aim to enhance workplace safety through training, education, and other preventative measures. SafetyWorks also features free technical consultation offered by the Department of Labor Standards for public and private sector employers.
The 160 grant recipients include municipalities, minority- and women-owned businesses, veterans-owned businesses, small business, and employers across industries such as manufacturing, construction, and more. This funding is made available through DIA annually. Since 1988, DIA has funded approximately $24 million to Massachusetts-based employers, helping approximately 324,000 workers and 1,693 employers throughout Massachusetts.
“Well-trained workers are the foundation to safe workplaces,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants are an example of our administration’s commitment to helping businesses educate thousands of workers in promoting safe work conditions.”
“Workplace Safety Grants provide a great resource for employers, especially our small businesses and municipalities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I want to congratulate each awardee for stepping up to improve conditions for their workers and workforce.”
In addition to this funding announcement and to further support employers, EOLWD is launching the SafetyWorks Initiative, a one-stop menu featuring free technical consultation and state occupational and industrial safety resources to make it easier for businesses to access guidance, training, and tools to strengthen workplace safety. Public- and private-sector employers interested in these resources can visit mass.gov/SafetyWorks to schedule a confidential consultation. Now a one-stop menu, employers can also visit SafetyWorks to apply for training grants of up to $25,000 through the Department of Industrial Accidents, as funding allows.
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration wants to ensure employers, large and small, have access to resources that support workplace safety and the launch of SafetyWorks aims to make it easier for employers to do so,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “As we strive to keep workers safe, these grants and consultation services help deliver training, drive productivity, and prioritize the well-being of Massachusetts workers in the workplace.”
“These training grants help employers stay ahead of risks by equipping their teams with the skills to recognize hazards and prevent injuries”, said Maryann Falvey, Director of the DIA Office of Safety. “Congratulations to all the organizations receiving training grants and thank you for investing in the safety and well-being of your workforce.”
“When workers feel safe, businesses see improvements in workplace culture and productivity,” said Michael Flanagan, Director of the Department of Labor Standards. “Whether you’re facing specific challenges or simply want peace of mind, our consultants are ready to support you.”
A full list of the SafetyWorks Training Grants can be found here.
Statements of Support
Senator Jake Oliveira, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
"Strengthening workplace safety starts with giving employers and workers the tools they need to prevent injuries before they happen. By expanding training and technical support, The SafetyWorks Initiative will help thousands of workers get home safe while giving businesses, especially small employers, the resources they need to build stronger, more productive workplaces."
Representative Paul McMurtry, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor & Workforce
“SafetyWorks Grants are a proven initiative in protecting workers and supporting employers across the Commonwealth. I join the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Jones in their shared commitment to ensuring every worker in the Commonwealth has a safe workplace.”
Brooke Thomson, President and CEO, Associated Industries of Massachusetts
“Associated Industries of Massachusetts has a long history of helping Massachusetts employers use training and best practices to create safe, efficient workplaces. Safety is a cornerstone of the economy we all seek to create, one that provides opportunity and economic benefit to everyone in Massachusetts.”
Tatiana Begault, Executive Director, Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Health and Safety (MassCOSH)
At MassCOSH, we know that every worker deserves to return home safe, healthy, and treated with dignity. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Safety Works Initiative and expanded workplace safety grants demonstrate a monumental commitment to protecting the labor force in Massachusetts. This level of leadership is rooted in prevention, equity, and proactive investment. This is exactly what workers, especially those in high-risk and historically marginalized communities, need and deserve. We applaud the Governor and her administration for their colossal efforts to strengthen workplace health and safety, and we stand ready to support this initiative by continuing to train, empower, and uplift the workers who keep our Commonwealth running. MassCOSH is ready and able to support”
About SafetyWorks Training Grant
Previously known as the Workplace Safety Grant Program, the SafetyWorks Training Grant provides eligible Massachusetts-based employers with up to $25,000 to cover the costs of safety training through the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). Grant-funded training includes compliance courses, such as OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour programs, as well as prevention-focused training, including defensive driving, hoisting, and First Aid/CPR. Employers are also encouraged to propose their own training topics and curriculum in partnership with an approved training provider.
About SafetyWorks Consultation
Previously known as the On-site Consultation Program, SafetyWorks Consultation is a no-cost and confidential resource for Massachusetts employers to protect workers and comply with OSHA standards. Department of Labor Standards (DLS) consultants have conducted thousands of employer visits, identified and addressed tens of thousands of serious workplace hazards. These proactive efforts help prevent injuries, keep businesses running smoothly, and assist organizations of all sizes in maintaining compliance with OSHA requirements. Employers can request a SafetyWorks Consultation by visiting mass.gov/SafetyWorksConsultation
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