Must employers keep workers cool?

While there are guidelines for workplace temperatures in Massachusetts, there are few requirements, such as the requirement that workplaces be heated from Oct 15 to May 15. [See Mass GL c 149, s 13.] Proper heat ranges vary but here is what they look like (in degrees Fahrenheit): Foundaries, 50-60; Factories, 60-62; Machine shops, 60-62; Public buildings, 60-68; Restaurants, 62-66; Warehouses, 62-65; Theaters, 62-65; Stores, 65; Offices, 66-68; and Schools, 66-68 [Source: Your rights on the job, 5e, by Robert Schwartz (Labor Guild of Boston, c 2008), pg. 38.] Although it appears as if there's an upper "limit," those ranges apply between Oct 15 and May 15. No law or regulation requires employers to provide air conditioning for their employees if temperatures exceed that upper limit during the summer. If temperatures in a workplace become unbearable, making the working conditions unhealthy or unsafe, workers can complain to the local board of health or to OSHA. To find out how to file a complaint with OSHA, link to http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/complain.html To read Mass GL c 149, s 113 at http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXI/Chapter149/Section113

Comments Sought on Proposed Changes to Superior Court Rules

Through September 2, 2011, the Superior Court is soliciting comments on proposed changes to Rule 9A and proposed new rule 30B:

"Chief Justice Barbara J. Rouse of the Superior Court invites comments on proposed (1) changes to Superior Court Rule 9A(b)(5)(ii) that would require a party opposing a motion for summary judgment to cite to pleadings, depositions, etc., in support of an opposition to a motion for summary judgment; and (2) a new Superior Court rule on "Certification of Expert Disclosures" (Proposed Superior Court Rule 30B), which would require that experts who will testify at trial sign the answers to expert interrogatories certifying that the answer accurately states the subject matter(s), the substance of the facts and opinions, and a summary of the grounds for each opinion, to which the expert is expected to testify at trial."

New UPC and Rogers forms

The Mass. Probate and Family Court has issued new forms for Guardianship and Conservatorship, effective June 30, 2011, as both fillable and non-fillable PDFs.

Also, last week the court issued Standing Order 4-11: Administrative Process for Uncontested Rogers Reviews and Extensions, which deals with the administration of antipsychotic medication. The accompanying forms for processing uncontested Rogers matters, effective July 1, 2011, are now available.