Take Action this Holiday Season

December 20, families who have lost a loved one due to a workplace death were joined by MassCOSH and community and labor allies at a State House vigil to remember those who won't be home this holiday season. Our hope is that every member of the legislature sees the media coverage and is reminded of the loss families feel as they gather around the table this year.

Empathy is not enough, only action will prevent further loss of life.  There is a bill that is RIGHT NOW before the state legislature that would address serious gaps in safety protections for public employees who work in some of the most dangerous jobs.  The bill is stuck in the House Ways and Means Committee.

Would you take just a moment to call Speaker Deleo’s office (617-722-2500), and tell him that you support S.2190, An Act to Further Define Standards of Employee Safety.

Ask him to pass this crucial workplace safety bill.

If you prefer, please paste the message below into an email with the subject line: Protect Massachusetts Workers and send it to: Robert.DeLeo@mahouse.gov

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Dear Speaker Deleo,
This holiday season, too many families will celebrate the holidays without a loved one - a daughter, brother or father who went to work and never returned home. I am writing to respectfully request that you do what you can to prevent other families from suffering such a loss by passing Bill S.2190, An Act to Further Define Standards of Employee Safety. 
The tragic and preventable deaths of Robert Higgins and Kelvin Mattocks, laborers who drowned while working in a trench, is a tragic reminder that many municipal water, sewer and public works employees who do similar work are not covered by the safety requirements as those in the private sector. We live in a state with two classes of workers; one protected by federal OSHA, and one not.
As a resident of Massachusetts, who cares for all workers' safety, please give the gift of life to workers across the Commonwealth by lending your support to S.2190 An Act to Further Define Standards of Employee Safety this legislative session.