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Legislation would require public database of safety violations

BOSTON (3/28/2024)—Today the Senate unanimously passed legislation to boost safety for firefighters and people conducting “hot work”—welding, plasma cutting, and spark-producing construction—by requiring the state to create a public database of violations of the fire prevention statute, and a public notification system to alert workers of violations.

The passage of S.1485—An Act relative to violation of regulation regarding hot work processes—comes in the days following the ten year anniversary of the tragic nine alarm fire in the Back Bay, started by welders working on a nearby iron railing, that resulted in the deaths of two Boston firefighters.

The Senate bill would work to prevent such tragedies by promoting transparency and prioritizing safety for Massachusetts firefighters.

“This legislation isn’t just a precaution—it is a commitment to the wellbeing and protection of our first responders and residents. Our firefighters, and anyone whose job includes hot work, should have confidence in the safety of their workplace, and know that they are protected from a tragic situation like the one that took the lives of Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy far too soon. I’m thankful to Senator Collins for his work on this bill, and to Chairs Rodrigues and Timilty for shepherding it through their committees. I very much hope to see the measure signed into law,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).

“With a proliferation of commercial and residential development projects ongoing all around the Commonwealth, it’s paramount to ensure that all safety measures are taken in strict compliance with state fire code. We can never be safe enough, and I’m heartened that this no-cost legislation will enable the Department of Fire Services, in coordination with the Department of Occupational Licensure, to document and punish code violators, where every day working men and women’s lives are literally on the line,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.   

“The heartbreaking loss of life in the 2014 Back Bay fire is a constant reminder of the importance of firefighter safety. As the Senate Chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, I am honored to have shepherded this crucial bill through the committee,” said Senator Walter F. Timilty (D-Milton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. “Today, the Senate’s action represents an important step forward in ensuring that our remarkable firefighters have the resources that they need to keep themselves safe and protect our communities.”

“This legislation represents historic regulatory reforms that the Walsh-Kennedy Commission helped institute across the hot works and welding industry in Massachusetts. Passing this legislation will ensure that the critical reforms, training, oversight, and accountability needed to prevent tragedies like the Back Bay fire, will be the law of the land. We do this in honor law of Boston Fire Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy so that their sacrifices are not in vain,” said Senator Nick Collins (D-Boston), primary sponsor of the bill.

Having been passed by the Senate, the bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.