The bill outlines the annual report prepared by the Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI) in collaboration with the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) regarding fines imposed, collected, and expended under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 82A, which pertains to excavation and trench safety. The report emphasizes the requirement for excavators to obtain permits before creating trenches and mandates municipalities to establish local permitting authorities. It also highlights the enforcement of trench safety regulations primarily at the municipal level, with OPSI authorized to assess administrative fines for violations. During FY 2025, DLS conducted numerous inspections and training sessions, with a focus on promoting safety measures and compliance among excavators.
Additionally, the report details the financial status of the Open Trenches and Excavations Trust, which had a balance of $7,710.13 at the beginning of FY 2025, with no funds received or paid out during the year. The DLS conducted various training programs and outreach initiatives to educate public and private sector employees on trench safety regulations, resulting in significant attendance at training sessions. OPSI and DLS continue to engage with stakeholders to enhance understanding and compliance with excavation and trench safety regulations, ensuring public safety in these operations.