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
Articles Discussing California Workplace Health And Safety Issues.
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.
Senate Bill 1350: Your Hearth is Cal/OSHA’s New Home: The Agency’s Jurisdiction Expands to Include Household Domestic Services
Cal/OSHA regulates employee safety at places of employment. Historically, household domestic services were excluded from the definition of a “place of employment” and therefore Cal/OSHA’s jurisdiction. With a swish of his duster pen, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 1350, which removes this exemption and grants Cal/OSHA control over household
Reminder: Public Comment on Cal/OSHA’s Proposed Workplace Violence Prevention Regulations due September 3rd
As Golden State employers know, a new workplace violence prevention law for non-healthcare employers went into effect on July 1, 2024. Cal/OSHA, the agency charged with overseeing workplace safety and health, has been directed to develop regulations to implement this new law.
Many employers are hoping that the new regulations
California Manufacturing Employers: Avoid Potential PAGA Claims Based on Cal/OSHA Violations
With proper planning, Golden State manufacturing employers can mitigate the risk of Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims premised on alleged violations of the California Occupational Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA).
Cal/OSHA Publishes Draft Workplace Violence Prevention Standard With Additional Proposed Requirements
On September 30, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) No. 553, establishing a new workplace violence prevention standard in California. SB 553 came into effect on July 1, 2024, and the new law requires virtually every California employer to implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan
California’s Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Regulation Takes Immediate Effect
California’s indoor heat illness regulation, the first of its kind in the United States, is now in effect. New requirements apply to all indoor work areas where the temperature is 82° F or above, with few exceptions. Additional requirements apply for higher temperatures. California employers with any work settings that
Cal/OSHA’s New Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Standard Took Effect on July 23, 2024
According to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), California’s new heat illness prevention rules for indoor workplaces became effective on July 23, 2024.
Cal/OSHA Schedules Advisory Committee Meeting on Enterprise-wide and Egregious Violation Classifications Proposed Rules
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) will hold an advisory committee meeting on August 19, 2024, to solicit input on proposed regulations concerning enterprise-wide and egregious violations of employee safety and health requirements. The meeting agenda with link to videoconference and dial-in information, advisory committee roster and