Mayor Walsh files ordinance to protect worker safety in Boston

BOSTON - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today filed an ordinance aimed at better protecting the safety of workers and the public by allowing the City of Boston the right to deny, revoke or suspend a permit for work in Boston based on an applicant's work safety history. The ordinance will require that those receiving permits to work within the City of Boston to swear and affirm their work safety history, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations. Currently, the City of Boston does not have this authority and is not notified of resolved or outstanding OSHA violations.

"We know how dangerous work sites can be, and in Boston we are committed to doing all we can to protect those working in our city," said Mayor Walsh. "I urge the City Council to move quickly on this proposal so Boston can put these changes into effect immediately."

The ordinance will update the City of Boston Municipal Code to allow a city officer in charge of issuing a permit to deny, revoke or suspend a permit to a person, corporation or business entity that has a history of engaging in unsafe, hazardous or dangerous practices.

In Boston we are committed to doing all we can to protect those working in our city

Applicants for permits will be required to inform the permitting department of any and all OSHA violations, both current and resolved.

The ordinance would go into effect immediately once approved by the City Council and signed by the Mayor.