Section 17. For the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, the commissioner, the assistant commissioner and the associate commissioners, and the director, inspectors, and other representatives of the department of labor standards may enter places of employment, other than places of employment of persons engaged in domestic service in the home of the employer, and examine the methods of protection from accident, the means of escape from fire, the sanitary provisions, the lighting and means of ventilation, and make investigations as to the employment of minors and as to compliance with all provisions of this chapter, and shall have access to all records pertaining to wages, hours, and other conditions of employment which are found essential to such investigations.

Section 178A of the Massachusetts General Law governs the payment of wages or salary to an employee who dies intestate. If an employee dies without a will, the employer may pay wages or salary not exceeding one hundred dollars to the surviving husband or wife, adult child, or surviving father or mother of the deceased employee. This payment can only be made if thirty days have passed since the employee’s death and no executor, administrator, or voluntary administrator has demanded payment.

This section of the Massachusetts General Law governs the payment of sums owed to the estate of an officer or employee of a political subdivision. If the sum owed does not exceed five hundred dollars and no executor or administrator has made a written demand for payment, the treasurer of the subdivision may, at their discretion, pay the sum to the husband, widow, or next of kin of the deceased officer or employee.

Section 18. Every industrial health inspector shall inform himself concerning the health of all minors employed in factories within his district; and whenever he may deem it advisable or necessary, he shall call the ill health or physical unfitness of any minor to the attention of his parents, guardians or employer and of the department.

This section of the Massachusetts General Law, under the Labor and Industries category, pertains to employers and governs the sanitary and safety conditions, tools, and longshore and waterfront operations in places of employment. It mandates employers to provide adequate facilities such as change rooms, shower baths, lavatories, and water closets for employees’ use. The document also emphasizes the need for clean and well-supplied toilets, proper illumination in working areas, and control of harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases.

Section 18B. Before allowing employees to enter confined spaces where flammable, poisonous, asphyxiant, suffocant or anesthetic vapors, gases or dusts are likely to exist, the area shall be made free of the hazardous substance; employees shall be advised of the hazard; adequate ventilation shall be provided; and proper respiratory equipment shall be provided where necessary.

Section 18C. Power transmission equipment (such as gears, belts, pulleys, sprockets, etc.) shall be enclosed or guarded in a manner that will prevent accidental injury to workers. Prime movers, machinery and equipment shall not be cleaned, adjusted or repaired while in motion. When, due to the process, it is not possible to shut down the machinery, extension swabs, brushes, scrapers or other extended tools shall be used to minimize employee hazards.

This section of the Massachusetts General Law governs the use and operation of ropes, hooks, cranes, and other equipment in longshore and waterfront operations. It establishes requirements for the strength and size of chains, wire ropes, and fiber ropes used for lifting or handling loads. The use of deformed hooks or rings is prohibited. Hooks, slings, bridles, and fittings must be of the correct size and have sufficient strength to sustain the loads.

This section of the Massachusetts General Law, under the Administration of the Government, Labor and Industries, pertains to safety precautions in dangerous undertakings, specifically longshore and waterfront operations. It requires persons working in locations with hazards to the head or eyes to be safeguarded with head or eye protection. Additionally, protection may be required for persons working under conditions with hazards to the body, hands, or feet. Safety belts of approved type should be used, and lifelines should have a strength equivalent to one-half inch manila rope.

Section 18F. Explosives and other dangerous articles and substances shall be loaded, unloaded, stored, transported or otherwise handled in accordance with United States Coast Guard regulations.