Massachusetts: 2025 Workplace Violence Prevention Legal Updates

Massachusetts has introduced several bills targeting different sectors, all aimed at reducing workplace violence:

HD.1856 – Human Service Employers

• Annual Risk Assessments: Required to identify potential violence risks.

• Written Prevention Plan: Must be shared with employees and labor organizations.

• Training: Mandatory for all staff.

• Crisis Response Team: A senior manager must support victims.

• Incident Reporting: Systems must be in place.

• Non-Retaliation Protections: Employees are protected when reporting incidents.

• Enforcement: The labor commissioner can impose fines for noncompliance.

HD.3502 / SD.1639 – Healthcare Facilities

• Similar requirements as HD.1856, plus:

  • Paid Leave: For victims seeking legal or victim services.

  • Annual Reporting: Incidents must be reported to public health authorities.

  • Data Sharing: Encouraged between facilities and public safety entities.

HD.2124 / SD.1307 – Home Healthcare Workers

• Safety Assessments: Of service settings.

• Communication Devices: Alarms for workers.

• Right to Refuse Unsafe Assignments: Without penalty.

• Biannual Reporting: Of workplace violence incidents.

• Paid Leave: Up to 7 days for victims.

It’s essential to provide a safe workplace and implement a structured, proactive approach to Workplace Violence Prevention. Here's a breakdown of key steps:

1. Conduct Annual Risk Assessments

• Identify potential sources of violence (e.g., patient interactions, isolated work settings).

• Evaluate physical layout, staffing patterns, and prior incident data.

• Document findings and update assessments yearly.

2. Develop a Written Violence Prevention Plan

• Include procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to incidents.

• Outline roles and responsibilities for staff and management.

• Make the plan accessible to employees and labor organizations.

3. Provide Annual Staff Training

• Cover de-escalation techniques, recognizing warning signs, and reporting protocols.

• Include scenario-based learning and role-playing.

• Extend training to volunteers and contracted personnel.

4. Establish Incident Reporting Systems

• Create confidential and easy-to-use reporting channels.

• Track incidents and analyze trends.

• Submit required reports to state agencies.

5. Support Victims of Workplace Violence

• Designate a senior manager to lead a crisis response team.

• Offer paid leave for victims seeking legal or victim services (required in Massachusetts).

• Ensure non-retaliation protections for those who report incidents.

6. Equip Workers with Safety Tools (Massachusetts home healthcare)

• Provide alarms or communication devices.

• Allow refusal of unsafe assignments without penalty.