Currently we are tracking the following proposals being considered by the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB). The OSHSB is the standard-setting agency within Cal/OSHA. Staff presents an in-depth analysis to the Risk Control Committee and blogs in more detail once standards have been adopted. Here are the topics we are tracking:
Indoor Heat Illness Prevention
The OSHSB has been working on a draft standard for indoor heat illness prevention for several years. The most recent comment period closed on February 22 and we expect to see an updated draft.
Protection from Wildfire Smoke
In response to a petition requesting development of an emergency regulation to protect outdoor workers who are working in areas impacted by wildfire smoke the OSHSB will hold its first advisory meeting on the subject in Oakland on May 8th.
Recording and Reporting of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses – Readopt Emergency Regulations
In the fall of 2018 the division adopted emergency regulations to amend Section 14300.35 Employee Involvement and Section 14300.41 Electronic Submission of Injury and Illness Records to OSHA. This re-adoption of the emergency regulations will provide the division with additional time to proceed with regular rulemaking to adopt the same or similar proposals on a permanent basis.
Workplace Violence Prevention – General Industry
The OSHSB is working on draft standards in response to a petition received in 2014. The most recent comment period closed on December 14, 2018 and we expect to see an updated draft for adoption.
Risk Control will continue to monitor these proposed standards and update you as the rulemaking process continues.