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Seyfarth Synopsis: As of February 3, 2025, California’s COVID-19-specific workplace regulations will expire, though employers must still track COVID-19 cases until February 3, 2026. Cal/OSHA can enforce COVID-19 as a workplace hazard under the Injury Illness Prevention Program standard, making it prudent for employers to consider infectious disease prevention in their IIPP.

Since 2020, California employers have had to comply…

Continue Reading  That’s It, Folks! Cal/OSHA’s COVID Rule Has (Mostly) Expired

Seyfarth Synopsis: Ongoing wildfires in Southern California trigger Cal/OSHA regulations that require employers to train and protect employees from wildfire smoke. The regulation applies to most outdoor workplaces, requiring employers to provide N95 respirators at certain AQI trigger levels, effective communication, and training on wildfire smoke hazards.

Devastating and fast-moving wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in…

Continue Reading As Wildfires Rage in Los Angeles, Employers Must Comply with Cal/OSHA’s Wildfire Smoke Rules

By Daniel R. Birnbaum, Ilana R. Morady, Benjamin D. Briggs, and Patrick D. Joyce

Seyfarth Synopsis:  Following California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan regulation becoming effective, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (“Cal/OSHA”) recently published its draft Workplace Violence Prevention regulation.  It is seeking public comments by September 3, 2024, with an advisory committee…

Continue Reading Cal/OSHA Drafts Rules for Workplace Violence Prevention in General Industry

By Patrick D. Joyce and Ilana Morady

Seyfarth Synopsis: A new rulemaking is underway at the California Department of Industrial Relations that will allow Cal/OSHA to cite employers for “enterprise-wide and egregious” violations, implementing a 2021 law signed by Governor Newsom. Cal/OSHA will convene an advisory committee on August 19, 2024 to solicit input.

Background

California employers may remember back…

Continue Reading California Employers — Brace Yourselves; Rules and Penalties are Coming for “Enterprise-wide and Egregious” Violations

By Patrick D. Joyce, Ilana Morady, and Daniel R. Birnbaum

Seyfarth Synopsis: On July 24, 2024, Cal/OSHA’s indoor heat rule was approved by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) and filed with the Secretary of State (SOS), rendering the rule effective immediately.

If you’ve been following our postings, you know that last month the Cal/OSHA Standards Board voted…

Continue Reading Hot Fun in the Summertime: Cal/OSHA Indoor Heat Rule Effective Immediately

By Jacob Roes, Patrick Joyce, Ilana Morady, and Adam Young

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Cal/OSHA Standards Board unanimously voted to approve Cal/OSHA’s indoor heat rule at the June 20, 2024 Standards Board meeting. Employers should be prepared to comply within the next 30-60 days.

Originally expected to be approved at the Standards Board’s March 21, 2024…

Continue Reading The Heat is On: Cal/OSHA Indoor Heat Illness Standard Gains Unanimous Approval

Apr. 17, 2024  – As most California employers are now aware, a new workplace violence law (SB 553) requires essentially all CA employers to develop and implement written Workplace Violence Prevention Plans and training by July 1, 2024. The new requirements will be enforced by Cal/OSHA.

Cost  –  There is no cost to attend, but registration is…

Continue Reading WEBINAR – New Workplace Violence Prevention Program Requirements in California

By Ilana Morady, Patrick Joyce, and Adam Young

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Cal/OSHA Standards Board was ready to vote on Cal/OSHA’s indoor heat rule at the March 21, 2024 Standards Board meeting, but at the 11th hour, the Board was ordered to cancel its scheduled vote.

Quick Summary

In a surprising development, the Cal/OSHA indoor heat rule, which was…

Continue Reading Indoor Heat Illness Standard: More Delay of the Long-Delayed Rule

By Ilana Morady, Brian Gillis, Clara Rademacher, Patrick D. Joyce, Bradley Doucette, and Adam R. Young

Seyfarth Synopsis: Senate Bill 553, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, requires nearly all employers in the State of California to prepare a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, train employees on how to identify and avoid workplace violence, and maintain a…

Continue Reading DOSH Just Published its Model Workplace Violence Prevention Plans Required For California Employers by July 2024

By Ilana Morady, Patrick D. Joyce, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: This week the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued an order revising COVID-19 definitions and procedures. Because the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 standard incorporates by reference certain CDPH definitions, the CDPH order impacts what the regulated community needs to be doing to…

Continue Reading New Updates to Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Requirements