Accidental Chemical Releases

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has reviewed 26 accidental chemical release incidents from around the country since reporting rules went into effect in 2020. There are summaries and probable causes from 26 incidents. Almost half of the incidents – 12 – occurred in two states, seven in Texas and five in … Read More »

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Cal/OSHA Eyes a ‘Truncated’ Timeline for PSM Revisions

The February 1st fire at the Martinez Refining Co. refinery in that Contra Costa County town will likely add fuel to the fire over impending changes to Cal/OSHA Process Safety Management regulations. Refinery worker advocates say the industry-demanded changes could weaken protections enacted after a major fire in 2012. No employees were seriously injured in … Read More »

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Fatality Investigation Results

Cal/OSHA has cited 10 employers following investigations into workplace fatalities between March and July 2024. Cal-OSHA Reporter reported preliminary information on these incidents last year. Here’s what the Division’s investigations say happened and the actions it is taking. Jose Antonio Breniz: This Orange-based construction company faces three alleged serious violations and more than $45,000 in … Read More »

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Exit Sign Petition Door Closed

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board gave several reasons for denying a petition to allow an internationally recognized sign for building exits. But the vote boiled down to one thing: Nothing in the relevant Cal/OSHA standard prevents employers from using the sign if they want to. Board staff notes that a similar proposal from the same person … Read More »

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Governor’s Budget Hits Cal/OSHA

Cal/OSHA is slated for a 17% budget decrease under the Governor’s proposed 2025-26 budget. That would mean a 13% decrease overall for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health compliance program, but it would also mean an increase for Cal/OSHA Consultation and the Standards and Appeals boards. The total proposed for DOSH (which includes the … Read More »

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Cal/OSHA Adjusts to Federal Requirements

Cal/OSHA’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has set its annual increase as required by the federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. The increases are 3% across the board, like in 2024. The Inflation Adjustment Act became law in 2015, requiring Fed-OSHA and the state plans to increase penalties for regulatory, general, willful, and repeatviolations, … Read More »

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Cal/OSHA’s Controversial Rulemaking Plans

Cal/OSHA, including the Standards Board and Division of Occupational Safety and Health, has numerous rulemaking projects for 2025. With some of the biggest ones in years already finalized – indoor heat illness, silica, and lead – 2025 could see several other proposals get formally proposed and be on their way to adoption. At least, that’s … Read More »

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The Stories That Were 2024

It seems like only yesterday that we were writing about the top stories of 2023. But that was one fast-moving year ago, and now it’s time to look back at 2024, which flew by and took us with it. It was a consequential year for workplace safety in California, with echoes into the new year. … Read More »

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