In a recent presentation titled Legal & Compliance 2025: Workplace Safety and CalOSHA Requirements, Weintraub shareholder Shauna Correia provided essential updates on California workplace safety laws. The session highlighted new regulations on indoor heat exposure, workplace violence prevention plans, COVID-19 measures, and other safety initiatives to protect employees and ensure compliance.
Indoor Heat Exposure Regulations: Effective June 20, 2024, Cal OSHA requires employers to implement a Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP) for indoor workplaces exceeding 82°F. Plans must include access to fresh water, cool-down areas, and temperature monitoring. Additional controls, such as ventilation and adjusted work schedules, are required when temperatures exceed 87°F.
Workplace Violence Prevention Plans (WVPPs): Senate Bill 533 mandates that most employers implement WVPPs by July 1, 2024. Plans must address four types of workplace violence, establish reporting and emergency response procedures, and provide employee training. Employers must retain documentation of incidents and updates for compliance.
COVID-19 Regulations: Cal/OSHA’s non-emergency COVID-19 standards remain in effect until February 2025, with recordkeeping requirements extending to 2026. Employers must maintain notices of COVID-19 cases and related information to align with these transitional measures.
Additional Safety Measures
- Agricultural Workers (SB 1105): Allows sick leave use to avoid unsafe conditions such as smoke and heat during emergencies.
- Hospital Safety (AB 2975): Requires weapons detection policies at key public entrances by March 2027.
- OSHA Hazard Communication Updates: Employers must update chemical labeling and safety standards by 2026 for substances and 2028 for mixtures.
These updates underscore the need for employers to proactively address California’s evolving safety laws. Developing robust plans, training employees, and maintaining compliance records are critical to fostering a safe and compliant workplace.