Blog Archives

Board Adopts Assigned Protection Factors, Window Cleaning Revisions

Cal/OSH Standards Board adopted two safety order revision packages at its Feb. 15 meeting. One is the California adoption of a Fed-OSHA action on assigned protection factors (AFPs) for respiratory protection. It revises Construction Safety Orders §§ 1529, 1532.1 and 1535; General Industry Safety Orders (GISO) §§ 5144, 5190, 5198, 5200, 5202, 5207, 5210, 5211, … Read More »

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Diacetyl Standard Headed For Fast-Track

OAKLAND – California will be the first occupational safety and health entity in the nation to issue a regulation to protect workers from the chemical diacetyl – and likely other substances – the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) made clear at an advisory committee meeting in mid-February. DOSH Acting Chief Len Welsh noted … Read More »

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Former Cal/OSHA Chief Stranberg Dies

Robert Stranberg, who joined California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in its formative years, presided over its dismantling and oversaw its eventual reinstatement in the late 1980s, died Feb. 9 in Irvine. He was 83. “Throughout his state career, Bob played a pivotal role in helping DIR [Department of Industrial Relations] to improve … Read More »

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DOSH Objections To Avalanche-Control Proposal: Avoiding A “Slippery Slope”

OAKLAND – Proponents say it’s an employee-driven proposal, codifying safe practices proven over a half-century. Opponents, particularly California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), say key parts go against recognized blasting procedures and endanger employee safety. After more than three hours of public testimony Feb. 15 on the controversial snow avalanche blasting proposal, one … Read More »

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Near Miss In Trench Incident

California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health reports the following incidents in recent days: Feb. 9: Cal/OSHA’s San Bernardino district office learned of an incident in Fontana involving an employee of California Pumping & Sanitation Systems. The worker was installing a 10-inch sewer line system near an existing business complex, but the trench was not … Read More »

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Fed-OSHA Comments Spur Cal/OSHA Changes To Railing Proposal

Cal/OSH Standards Board is revising a proposal on railing and stairway safety based on comments from its federal overseer. The proposal was heard at a June 2006 Standards Board public hearing. The changes are contained in a 15-day notice of proposed modification; comments are due March 5. The proposal modifies Construction Safety Orders §§ 1620, … Read More »

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When A Fax Doesn’t Fit The Facts

An employer cited by California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) for failing to report a serious injury found out that when submitting evidence for an appeal, it’s best not to recycle documents. As a result of its paperwork faux pas, a Cal/OSH Appeals Board administrative law judge (ALJ) upheld the citation and $5,000 … Read More »

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Two Double Fatalities On The Same Day

California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is investigating a number of workplace fatality and injury incidents in recent days, including two incidents on Feb. 7 that took the life of four workers. The double tragedies involved water and fire. The first saw two Department of Water Resources employees mysteriously drown at the Dos … Read More »

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