We represent employees in health and safety grievances, work-related disability retirement claims, and claims for reasonable accommodations in both the public and private sectors.  We advise employees, employee organizations and employers on health and safety issues, and their resolution.

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Indoor air quality 

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, "the quality of indoor air inside offices, schools, and other workplaces is important not only for workers' comfort but also for their health. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been tied to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Also, some specific diseases have been linked to specific air contaminants or indoor environments, like asthma with damp indoor environments."

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We assist employees and employers in identifying indoor air quality problems and their causes, through assembling and analyzing information about building conditions.  We help assess what might be appropriate remedial action to address indoor air quality problems and help develop ways of monitoring remediation projects.  We also help building occupants evaluate the impact of indoor air quality problems on their medical condition.  We also analyze and advise on legal rights and duties concerning indoor air quality.

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Public OSHA

An Act Relative to Standards of Employee Safety (MGL 149 § 6 ½ ) was enacted to promote workplace safety and health rights for public sector workers.  It is enforced by the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) and took effect on February 1, 2019.  It covers all public workers – municipal, state, independent agency, colleges and universities. The law provides protection at least equal to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act.

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We counsel clients regarding their rights under the law and represent them in connection with asserting these rights.

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Government building problems 

We work with employees and their unions in identifying and evaluating problems related to the physical facilities of government buildings such as schools and courthouses.  We evaluate potential issues including structural problems, systems deterioration, environmental problems, and deficiencies in maintenance and operations.  We help building committees, employers, school administrations, and building occupants to prevent such problems through better design, construction, and maintenance of buildings.

 

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