Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H1917

Introduced

2/16/23

Refer

2/16/23

Caption

Requiring human service employers to develop and implement programs that prevent workplace violence

Impact

The legislation will amend Chapter 149 of the General Laws by introducing Section 129E, which specifies the definitions, roles, and responsibilities of human service employers regarding workplace violence prevention. Each employer will be required to establish a written violence prevention plan tailored to the unique risks faced by their employees. This includes staff training programs on safety protocols and incident reporting procedures, aiming to create a safer work environment for those providing essential services.

Summary

House Bill 1917 mandates that human service employers in Massachusetts develop and implement comprehensive programs aimed at preventing workplace violence. This bill seeks to address growing concerns over the safety of employees working in potentially hazardous environments, particularly in fields such as healthcare and social services. The proposed legislation outlines specific obligations for employers, including the requirement to perform annual risk assessments to identify factors that may expose employees to violence or traumatic incidents.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding H1917 include concerns about the feasibility of the requirements for smaller human service agencies that may struggle with the burden of developing and implementing such detailed programs. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the potential costs associated with training and compliance, as well as the effectiveness of proposed measures in actually reducing incidents of workplace violence. Stakeholders are expected to engage in debates on balancing the need for safety with the operational realities of smaller organizations.