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SAFETYWORKSSAFETYWORKSLABOR DAY REPORT LABOR DAY REPORT 20262026 mass.gov/SafetyWorksmass.gov/SafetyWorks
We invite employers across Massachusetts to check out mass.gov/SafetyWorks to learn more, schedule a confidential consultation, and explore available workplace safety training grants. Sincerely, Lauren Jones Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Dear Massachusetts, Labor Day is an opportunity to reaffirm what we know to be true everyday: workers are valued in Massachusetts. The Healey-Driscoll Administration keeps workers and future workers at the heart of our workforce agenda because we know our talent is the greatest asset for Massachusetts. Understanding this, we continue to invest in strategies to help individuals start and grow their careers here and feel safe and supported in workplaces, among businesses large and small. Workplace safety is fundamental to this commitment, delivering a strong, healthy workforce that, in turn, drives productivity and competitiveness for employers across Massachusetts. For employers, a safe workplace is not only about preventing injuries—it is an investment in people. Safe workplaces build trust, strengthen workplace culture, and help employers attract and retain the skilled workers they need to grow and thrive. Through SafetyWorks, public- and private- sector employers can access free confidential consultations through the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) to proactively identify workplace hazards and practical steps to resolve concerns. Additionally, employers can also apply for training grants through the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) to equip workers with the knowledge and skills to recognize hazards, prevent injuries, and promote safety in the workplace. Enclosed is EOLWD’s inaugural SafetyWorks Labor Day report, highlighting the impact of the SafetyWorks consultation and grants. It demonstrates what is possible when the Commonwealth, employers, and workers make prevention a shared priority—and when workplace safety is recognized as an essential part of workforce development. SECRETARY’S NOTE SAFETYWORKS LABOR DAY REPORT
ABOUT SAFETYWORKS SAFETYWORKS LABOR DAY REPORT The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) promotes workplace safety, providing employers with resources through the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) and the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). In December 2025, EOLWD launched SafetyWorks to offer employers a simpler, more accessible way to find the workplace safety information and support they need. SafetyWorks Consultation DLS provides free, confidential technical assistance to help employers identify workplace hazards and take practical steps to improve safety and comply with OSHA regulations. SafetyWorks Training Grants DIA awards annual grants to employers for up to $25,000 to support workplace safety education and training, helping workers gain the knowledge and skills to recognize hazards and prevent injuries. Workplace safety: It’s more than compliance—it’s how you keep great talent safe.
SafetyWorks Consultation (DLS) SAFETYWORKS IMPACT SAFETYWORKS LABOR DAY REPORT From October 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026, SafetyWorks Consultation helped public- and private-sector employers identify workplace safety concerns and opportunities to better protect their workers. 267 Employer visits conducted 1,850+ Safety-related findings identified 32,270+ Workers at worksites with safety findings Since August 2022, the DLS SafetyWorks Consultation has: Conducted more than 1,300 employer visits. Identified over 9,800 safety-related findings. Reached worksites employing more than 263,000 workers where safety-related findings were identified. SafetyWorks Trainng Grants (DIA) From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, SafetyWorks Training Grant awarded $800,000 to support workplace safety education and training. From FY2023 through FY2026, Massachusetts awarded $3.2 million in workplace safety education and training, helping employers strengthen safety and better protect workers across the Commonwealth. Over that four-year period, the program: 160 Grants awarded 6,500+ Workers trained Awarded 525 grants. Trained more than 26,000 workers. Increased the number of annual grants awarded by 76%, from 91 in FY23 to 160 in FY26.
Wash Laundry Cycle SAFETYWORKS IN ACTION SAFETYWORKS LABOR DAY REPORT In XX 202X, Wash Cycle Laundry proactively requested a SafetyWorks Consultation to identify potential hazards and strengthen safety at its workplace. During that visit, DLS Consultants found a serious fall hazard on an industrial ironing machine; a guardrail installed by the manufacturer was too low to properly protect workers. Museum of Science Wash Cycle acted quickly by raising the the guardrail and contacting the manufacturer about the safety issue. By May 2025, the manufacturer had redesigned the guardrail and updated units shipped around the world. What started as a proactive step to improve safety at Wash Laundry Cycle led to a much broader change—helping to protect workers who use this equipment around the world. As a first-time SafetyWorks Training Grant recipient, the Museum of Science received $4,555 to provide installation rigging training for 24 employees who help bring the museum’s exhibits and experiences to life. Behind every exhibit is a skilled workforce responsible for safely installing, maintaining, and supporting the experiences enjoyed by visitors. Through the SafetyWorks Training Grant, the Museum of Science is delivering hands-on training to their workforce to strengthen the skills needed to perform this important work safely. The Museum of Science is an example of how a targeted investment in training can help employers prevent injuries, build a stronger workforce, and create a safer workplace for employees and the public. Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones (fourth from right) visits the Museum of Science In Boston, MA during National Safety Month to learn more about their SafetyWorks Training Grant. Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones (fourth from right) visits the Museum of Science In Boston, MA during National Safety Month to learn more about their SafetyWorks Training Grant.
CONTACT One Ashburton Place, Suite 2112 Boston, MA 02108 www.mass.gov/SafetyWorks @massLWD | @massLWDSecretary Advancing Workplace Safety in Massachusetts