On Friday, May 9, 2025, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) announced discussion drafts for the wildfire smoke regulation, as well as the indoor heat and outdoor heat regulations. The drafts were posted online and provide for substantial changes to both regulations. Future advisory committees will be
Articles Discussing California Workplace Health And Safety Issues.
Cal/OSHA Mulls Creation of New Subcommittee Amid NIOSH Funding Cuts
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) is contemplating the establishment of a subcommittee to address issues stemming from
Cal/OSHA Standards Board Considers Subcommittee in Response to NIOSH Cuts
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) is considering the formation of a subcommittee to tackle challenges arising from the
California Assemblymember Sharp-Collins Introduces Workplace Safety Bill Authorizing Refusals to Work and Requiring Wages
On February 21, 2025, California Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins (D), representing San Diego, introduced Assembly Bill (AB) No. 1371 (“Right to Refuse Unsafe Work With Pay”) in the California State Assembly. The measure, which is now pending before the Assembly’s Committee on Labor and Employment, would revise and expand employee protections
California Workplace Safety Update: OSHAB Holds Employer Can Impliedly Consent to Inspection
In a significant decision regarding workplace inspections, the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board (OSHAB) upheld citations against a California employer after finding the employer had consented to an inspection when a third-party individual who was not an employee and did not have actual authority to consent cooperated with
Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Recordkeeping Rule Remains in Effect
Most of Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Non-Emergency Regulations ended earlier this month, on February 3, 2025, including most of the general COVID-19 Prevention rule,[1] and the rules for COVID-19 Outbreaks[2] and COVID-19 Prevention in Employer-Provided Transportation.[3] As
End of an Era: Cal/OSHA’s COVID Non-Emergency Standard Sunsets
As of February 3, 2025, most of Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Standards have officially come to an end. This marks a significant shift for California employers who have been navigating these regulations and their predecessor emergency temporary standards for the past four years.
Despite the expiration of most obligations
Cal/OSHA Provides Guidance for Managing Post-Fire Cleanup Efforts
In light of the ongoing and devastating fires in Los Angeles County, Cal/OSHA released new guidance to ensure the safety and health of workers involved in
Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Regulation Sunsets February 3, 2025
The last California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) COVID-19 regulation came into effect on February 3, 2023, with provisions scheduled to sunset on February 3, 2025. There have been no further regulatory developments or new regulations adopted, so all but one of the features of the regulation will
Cal/OSHA Approves Final Respirable Crystalline Silica Regulation, While Other Potential Limits on Engineered Stone Remain Under Consideration
California has adopted a final respirable crystalline silica (RCS) regulation, which is expected to become effective in early February 2025. California employers should consider whether they may be covered by the new regulation and prepare for compliance. Regulation of engineered stone remains under active development and reflects broader recurring features
Wildfires in Los Angeles: Key Considerations for Employers Navigating Disaster Response and Compliance
Wildfires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area, causing death, massive destruction of property, and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes. President Biden has approved a “Major Disaster Declaration” for California because of the wildfires. This disaster also impacts employers’ obligations under California law, including California’s workplace
Important Information on California’s Wildfire Workplace Safety Regulations
In light of recent wildfires across Southern California, employers should make sure they are familiar with California’s wildfire smoke
California Law Directs Cal/OSHA to Draft Standards for Opioid Overdose Reversal Drugs in First Aid Kits
On September 27, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation that requires the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise the California Code of Regulations to require that workplace first aid materials include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist to
California Health Care Employers Must Implement California Health Care Minimum Wage Raise By October 16, 2024
Last fall, California enacted Senate Bill 525, which substantially raises the base minimum wage for health care workers over time to $25 per hour. The first incremental increase above the general state minimum wage was scheduled to occur on June 1, 2024. However, there were several delays and amendments to
New California Law Directs Cal/OSHA Standards Board to Adopt Standards for Hospital Weapons Detection Screening by 2027
On September 27, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation that will enhance current healthcare safety regulations by requiring hospitals to implement weapons detection screening and personnel education and training policies in 2027.