The 2011 Massachusetts Underground Taskforce Report was recently released. This report is chock full of information regarding the Underground Taskforce's enforcement in Massachusetts. I suspect very few contractors are aware of this report or the fact that Massachusetts has a "Underground Taskforce". The goal of the taskforce is to level the playing field for Massachusetts businesses who play by the rules. Governor Deval Patrick created the taskforce by executive order. This proves that Massachusetts is one of the most regulated states in the country.
Use the link below to download the free report. I will be doing future posts on various items in the report to let you know how these developments impact the residential construction industry.
Highlights in Underground Taskforce Report- DIA (Division of Industrial Accidents) issues 3085 stop work orders.
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts signs Memorandum of Understanding with Hilda Solis (Secretary of Department of Labor)
- OSHA to work with Mass officials on safety enforement
- Underground task force collects over $10,930,933 in fines and fees
- DOLS fines contractors for RRP Lead violations conducting hundreds of site inspections
- All agencies working together to enforce each others regualtions
- Agencies sharing information
- AGO (Attorney General) recovers 3,033,148 for violations of state wage laws and independent contractor law.
As the Chair of Government Affairs for Eastern Mass NARI 
I keep up on these developments for our trade association members and the residential construction industry. After reading this 2011 report I conclude that;
"A contractor operating illegally or non-compliantly in Massachusetts is taking a huge risk. It will be just a matter of time before one or more of the enforcement agencies discover a contractor not following the rules"
Click the following link to get your own MUST READ free copy of the report.
