Blog Archives

Fed-OSHA Playing Hardball on Fall Protection

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration says it is prepared to assume jurisdiction for “all construction” in California if Cal/OSHA does not adopt its mandated six-foot fall protection for residential construction. However, the intimidation has few teeth, given that Fed-OSHA is woefully understaffed in California. “That it could seriously contemplate handling the construction industry … Read More »

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DIR Names Acting Chief

The Department of Industrial Relations has named Debra Lee, deputy chief for enforcement for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, as Acting Chief after the departure of former Chief Jeff Killip. Assistant Deputy Chief for Enforcement David Wesley will serve as Acting Deputy Chief for Enforcement while Lee serves as Acting Chief. DIR Director … Read More »

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Freyman Remains at Appeals Board

Judith Freyman, who has served as management representative for the Cal/OSHA Appeals Board for more than a decade, will serve one more term after being reappointed by Governor Gavin Newsom. First appointed in 2012, Freyman had been considering retirement. Before being appointed to the quasi-judicial board, she actively participated in the Cal/OSHA rulemaking process. Freyman … Read More »

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Time to Sharpen Your 300A Game

February 1st begins the three-month period during which employers must post their Cal/OSHA Form 300A summaries of workplace injuries and illnesses for 2023. The annual summary must be posted in a visible and easily accessible area at each worksite between February 1st and April 30th. Employers are required to post the form even if they … Read More »

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Crane Kerfuffle Committee Authorized

Two prominent California union locals representing crane operators disagree about a petition by a certifying organization on exempting operators from demonstrating they are experienced on the cranes they operate. Cal/OSHA also opposes the petition. However, the Standards Board authorized an advisory committee to bring the sides together and determine whether changes are needed to the … Read More »

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Cal/OSHA Dollars Cut in Guv’s Budget

Although it would authorize about three new positions in fiscal 2024-25, the Cal/OSHA program is slated for a 5% budget decrease under Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget. Meanwhile, the Department of Industrial Relations is asking the state legislature for millions more for various safety and health-related projects. The Division of Occupational Safety and Health budget, … Read More »

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OSH Fund Assessments Up

The Department of Industrial Relations is increasing the assessment of employers that fund Cal/OSHA and its various workers’ comp funds. The assessment – a fee rather than a tax actually – is determined by DIR without any legislative action. The OSH Fund was established in 2008 to stabilize Cal/OSHA’s funding. The Occupational Safety and Health … Read More »

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