California is considering changes to its workplace inspection rules that would expand who may accompany inspectors during on-site Cal/OSHA inspections. Cal/OSHA has published a proposed rulemaking and will have a public hearing on April 1, 2026. It is also accepting written comments through that date. Written comments may be submitted through that date to
Workplace Safety
California Employers: Reminder to Post 2026 OSHA Form 300A by February 1
By Michael R. Watts & Sierra Vierra on
Posted in Workplace Safety
Unless exempt, California employers must post their annual summary of work-related injuries and illnesses in a visible and easily accessible location at each worksite from February 1 through April 30, 2026. Employers must use Cal/OSHA Form 300A for this posting.
Cal/OSHA provides guidance on how to properly complete both the Log of Work-Related Injuries and…
Senate Bill 20: California Expands Worker Protections Against Silica Dust Exposure
By Michael R. Watts on
Posted in Workplace Safety
On October 13, 2025, California’s Governor signed Senate Bill (SB) 20, which amends the Labor Code to target occupational exposure to crystalline silica in the artificial stone fabrication industry, introducing new definitions, exposure controls, training, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms. Occupational silicosis is a lung disease caused by respirable dust containing crystalline silica, a mineral…
Important Information on California’s Wildfire Workplace Safety Regulations
By Joshua M. Henderson & Sierra Vierra on
Posted in Workplace Safety
In light of recent wildfires across Southern California, employers should make sure they are familiar with California’s wildfire smoke standard. Sadly, harmful air quality from wildfire smoke can occur anywhere in the state on short notice, so it is vital that employers prepare early.
With some exceptions, the wildfire smoke standard applies to workplaces…
Cal/OSHA Publishes FAQs for New Workplace Violence Prevention Law
By Joshua M. Henderson & Sierra Vierra on
Posted in Workplace Safety
Last year, California’s Governor signed Senate Bill (SB) 553, which requires most employers to establish, implement, and maintain an effective Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). The law is enforceable on July 1, 2024. Cal/OSHA is responsible for enforcing the requirements of SB 553, now codified in California Labor Code Section 6401.9.
Recently, Cal/OSHA…
Reminder to Post 2023 Annual Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illness in February
By Joshua M. Henderson & Sean Paisan on
Posted in Workplace Safety
Unless exempt, California employers are required to post their annual summary of work-related injuries and illnesses, in a visible and easily accessible area at every worksite from February 1st through April 30th. Cal/OSHA’s Form 300A must be used for this posting.
Employers can find an overview regarding completing both the log (…
California Department of Public Health Updates COVID-19 Isolation Guidance
By Sean Paisan on
Posted in Workplace Safety
On January 9, 2024, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its COVID-19 isolation recommendations to move away from 5 days of isolation and instead focus on clinical symptoms to determine when to end isolation. The guidance now states that those who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate until they have not had a…
California Supreme Court Rules Against COVID-19 Take-Home Exposure Liability for Employers
Posted in Workplace Safety
- If an employee contracts COVID-19 at the workplace and brings the virus home to a spouse, causing injury, does the California Workers’ Compensation Act (WCA) bar the spouse’s negligence claim against the employer?
California Department of Public Health Updates Definition of Close Contact
By Sean Paisan & Sierra Vierra on
Posted in Workplace Safety
Previously, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) had redefined “close contact’ as someone sharing the same indoor airspace with a person who had COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. This definition had caused issues for employers in particular who needed to comply with notice requirements. These…
California Prohibits Retaliation Against Employees for Refusal to Report to Work During Emergency Conditions
Posted in Uncategorized, Workplace Safety
On September 29,2022, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 1044, which prohibits an employer in the event of an emergency condition from taking or threatening adverse action against any employee for refusing to report to, or leave a workplace or worksite within the affected areas because the employee has a reasonable belief…