Amid criminal investigations into the massive and deadly July 1st explosion at an Esparto fireworks storage facility, Cal/OSHA’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has cited the employer for one regulatory and 13 serious violations. The Division seeks $221,000 in penalties against Devastating Pyrotechnics, which is based in San Francisco. On July 1st, fireworks stored …
In the late 1970s, Fred Walter, fresh out of law school, was working in personal injury defense in Southern California’s maritime industry. He moved to Northern California, where he found himself doing workers’ compensation subrogation work. “It was a step up from collections,” he remembers. “I hated it.” Hated it so much that he was …
Rules intended to preserve procedures particularly peculiar to the professional diving community in California are set to become effective on January 1st, 2026. The revisions modify General Industry Safety Orders §§ 6050, 6051, 6052, 6054, and 6056. This regulatory saga dates back to 2014, when Fed-OSHA informed Standards Board staff that California’s regulations were not …
There is growing support in some circles in California for banning both the manufacture and sale of artificial stone, which is responsible for a serious number of silicosis cases among workers. Also known as “engineered stone,” these materials are packed with silica, and even Cal/OSHA’s ban on dry-cutting in favor of cutting with water doesn’t …
The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board staff has recommended that Cal/OSHA require approval for all self-propelled autonomous equipment before it can be used in agricultural operations where workers are present. Board Chair Joseph Alioto, Jr., quickly dismissed that and other recommendations on the long-simmering issue at the rulemaking body’s recent meeting. “We’re not going …
The California Construction and Industrial Materials Association (CalCIMA) has honored three individuals and three organizations for their efforts to promote mine safety. The 2025 Excellence in Safety Awards winners were announced at the association’s recent annual meeting in Anaheim. “These awards acknowledge the companies and individuals who make safety a top priority every day through …
Inspections by Cal/OSHA’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health generally increased during the first nine months of 2025, compared to the same period last year. The same can’t be said for violations cited, however. They were down significantly so far this year, in some cases by more than 50% compared to the same period in …