Assembly Member Liz Ortega (D–District 20), chair of the California State Assembly’s Committee on Labor and Employment, recently introduced Assembly Bill (AB) No. 2321, legislation that would amend the California Labor Code to require local district attorneys to take an earlier and more prominent role in investigating workplace fatalities and
Articles Discussing California Workplace Health And Safety Issues.
‘We Didn’t Know’ Is No Defense: Lessons for Construction Employers From a Cal/OSHA Appeals Board Decision
Every once in a while, the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board publishes a Decision After Reconsideration that makes employers wince and leaves attorneys scratching their heads. On March 12, 2026, the Appeals Board did just that when it issued KPRS Construction Services, Inc., turning the employer’s full victory
Breaking Down Cal/OSHA’s 2026 Walkaround Rule Proposal (Podcast)
In this podcast, Kevin Bland (shareholder, Orange County) sits down with Karen Tynan (shareholder, Sacramento), who is chair of the firm’s Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group, to discuss Cal/OSHA’s February 2026 proposed rulemaking on walkaround inspections, which would significantly expand who may accompany inspectors during workplace safety inspections—including third-party
California’s Proposed “Walkaround” Changes
California is considering changes to its workplace inspection rules that would expand who may accompany inspectors during on-site Cal/OSHA inspections. Cal/OSHA has published a proposed rulemaking and will have a public hearing on April 1, 2026. It is also accepting written comments through that date. Written comments may be submitted through that date to walkaroundrule@dir.ca.gov…. Continue Reading
Another Friday Night Surprise: Cal/OSHA Proposes State Analog to Worker Walkaround Rule
Another Friday Night Surprise: Cal/OSHA Proposes State Analog to Worker Walkaround Rule
Consistent with its tradition of dropping surprise regulatory proposals near the end of the day before a holiday weekend, Cal/OSHA published a formal proposal on Friday the 13th, 2026, to promulgate a California version of federal OSHA’s so-called
Cal/OSHA Proposes a New ‘Walkaround Rule’
On Friday, February 13, 2026, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would vest the agency with discretion to allow additional employee and employer representatives to accompany the inspector during the inspection. A public hearing is set for April 1, 2026.
California Employers: Reminder to Post 2026 OSHA Form 300A by February 1
Unless exempt, California employers must post their annual summary of work-related injuries and illnesses in a visible and easily accessible location at each worksite from February 1 through April 30, 2026. Employers must use Cal/OSHA Form 300A for this posting. Cal/OSHA provides guidance on how to properly complete both the Log of Work-Related Injuries and… Continue Reading
California Employers: Update Your Posters
The California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement recently released a revised Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act (HWHFA) poster reflecting recent amendments to the state paid sick leave law. California employers must promptly update their workplace postings. Our California colleagues offer additional insights here. Continue Reading
OSHAB Holds Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Procedural Changes and Improvements
On January 7, 2026, the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board (Appeals Board or OSHAB) convened in Sacramento, California, for a stakeholders’ roundtable discussion to gather ideas for enhancing and improving Board processes and procedures. The meeting was attended by OSHAB members, administrative law judges, Cal/OSHA attorneys, members of
Cal-WARN 2.0: New Layoff Notice Obligations (SB 617) – Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
Employers covered by Cal-WARN must now include new information in layoff and closure notices — including access to workforce development and food-assistance programs. Jen details what changed, who’s covered, and how to avoid a compliance crisis during a downsizing.
New Cal/OSHA Standard for Confined Spaces in Construction Takes Effect on January 1, 2026
On November 4, 2025, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA Standards Board) filed its adopted revisions to regulations on construction safety orders for confined spaces. The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) recently approved the regulatory text at Title 8 CCR §§ 1951 through 1956, with an effective
Cal/OSHA Advisory Committee Discusses Revised Workplace Violence Prevention Regulation Draft
On July 1, 2024, California’s workplace violence prevention law—the nation’s strongest and broadest workplace violence prevention statute for general industry—took effect, with the requirement that the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health adopt a standard setting forth the employers’ duties under the law.
Presently, California’s Occupational Safety and Health
What is a “Safety-Sensitive” Position Under California Law?
Employers across California continue to grapple with how best to balance workplace safety, employee rights, and compliance with ever-changing drug and alcohol regulations. One area that has attracted increased attention is the definition of a
Cal/OSHA Releases the 2025-26 High Hazard Industry List
The High Hazard Unit within the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) inspects employers with the highest incidences of occupational injuries and illnesses and workers’ compensation losses. Every year the High Hazard Unit develops a list of industry sectors that have experienced accidents involving restricted or lost workdays
Senate Bill 20: California Expands Worker Protections Against Silica Dust Exposure
On October 13, 2025, California’s Governor signed Senate Bill (SB) 20, which amends the Labor Code to target occupational exposure to crystalline silica