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 …
Cal/OSHA’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has cited several employers following investigations into fatalities that occurred earlier this year. Here are the latest: American Equipment. This Salt Lake City, Utah-based building equipment contractor faces one general and four serious violations, with almost $80,000 in proposed penalties following the January 30th death of a 29-year-old …
Cal/OSHA says it is finalizing changes to its policies and procedures in the wake of a critical review by the state auditor that found a number of deficiencies in the enforcement program. CAL/OSHA’s comments are part of the required 60-day response to the State Auditor’s findings and recommendations. Here are some highlights of the response: …