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State Cert Guide

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Do I need OSHA 10 in Massachusetts?

Only for some jobs. On public works and public buildings estimated to cost more than $10,000, the bidder or contractor has to certify that all employees at the worksite will have finished an OSHA-approved construction safety course of at least 10 hours by the time they begin work.

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The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
Public works and public buildings estimated to cost more than $10,000For public works, the awarding authority makes the cost estimate.
Verified. web.archive.org (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Rule
Documentation with the first certified payroll report for each employeeThe statute asks for it employee by employee.
Same source and date as above
Course hours
An OSHA-approved construction safety course of at least 10 hoursIt has to be complete by the time the employee begins work.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check the contract. Is it for a public work that the awarding authority estimates will cost more than $10,000, or for a public agency's building estimated to cost more than $10,000? The Attorney General's advisory says the rule covers employees entitled to the prevailing wage on the worksite, plus other employees of an entity required to pay it.

  2. Step 2. The statute asks for a course OSHA has approved, at least 10 hours long. The advisory says the 30-hour course also satisfies the rule. Before you sign up, ask to see the trainer's current Authorized Trainer card.

  3. Step 3. OSHA says the 10-hour class is meant for workers, and the 30-hour class suits supervisors or workers with some safety responsibility. Massachusetts asks for the course to be finished when the employee begins work.

  4. Step 4. A trainer has to issue your card within 90 days of the class. The advisory says an OSHA Completion Card or a copy is accepted as documentation that a covered employee has completed the course.

Before you pay

The Attorney General's advisory is guidance, not a formal opinion, so ask your employer which employees the contract covers before you pay for a class.

Trainers work independently, and their fees and schedules vary. Compare more than one.

Questions

What if I am on site without proof?

Under the statute, an employee found on a covered worksite without documentation of the course is subject to immediate removal. The advisory adds that covered employees carry the documentation on their person or can point to where it is kept on the worksite.

Who falls outside the advisory's coverage?

The advisory gives truck drivers and individuals delivering materials as examples, provided they are not entitled to the prevailing wage while on the worksite.

Who enforces the rule?

The attorney general or a designee. The statute lets that office go to superior court to restrain the award and performance of contracts after finding a violation of the removal provision.

What if the card hasn't arrived yet?

The advisory says the attorney general's office may initially accept other valid documentation showing the employee took the course in the preceding five weeks, followed by the card or a copy on receipt.

Does OSHA itself require the class?

No. OSHA says its Outreach program is voluntary, and whoever mandates training decides what it accepts.

What to do next

Ask your employer which contract covers you, then pick a trainer from OSHA's Find a Trainer page. The guidance is in the Attorney General's advisory.

www.mass.gov

Sources we read