CA Occupational Safety & Health Administration
Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH)
California Department of Industrial Relations

Cal/OSHA operates a federally approved occupational safety and health program in order to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for California workers.

DOSH is the enforcement branch of Cal/OSHA. Regulations apply to all workers/employers in the state, including government agencies (except federal).

Regulations: CCR, Title 8 (General Industry Safety Orders); California Labor Code, sec. 6300 et. seq.

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Summary of Major Requirements:

• Injury & Illness Prevention Program - Includes the following elements:
  • Identified person(s) responsible for implementing program
  • Periodic inspections to identify unsafe conditions and practices
  • Procedures for expedient correction of unsafe/unhealthful conditions and accident investigation
  • Safety training: (1) general, all employees; (2) specific
  • Recordkeeping of items above (inspection, corrective action, training)
  • 2-way communication system for sharing of information
  • Enforcement/disciplinary system to insure use of safety practices
• Hazard(ous Substances) Communication Program - "Right-to-Know" applies to hazardous substances that employees may be exposed to under normal working or foreseeable emergency conditions.
  Covers:
  • Inventory lists of hazardous substances
  • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (must keep readily accessible)
  • Labels/other forms of warning
  • Employee information & training
• Access to Medical & Exposure Records - Workers must have access to:
  • Personal medical records and records of exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents
  • Exposure records of employees with similar past or present jobs
  • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or equivalent information on chemicals/substances used in the workplace
• Carcinogen Control - Special requirements for workers handling carcinogenic (cancer causing) substances.
• Inspections - Inspections are unannounced and initiated/prioritized by imminent danger; fatality or serious accident; employee complaint; serious injury/illness investigation; and scheduled discretionary visits.
• Reporting Requirements - Employers must report work-related fatalities or serious injuries/illnesses immediately (24 hrs) to the nearest DOSH office.
• Recordkeeping - A "Log 200" (summary of occupational injuries/illnesses) must be kept on a calendar-year basis, posted annually during February, and retained for 5 years. Required of all employers except those with no more than 10 employees at any time during the previous year.
  

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HESIS
(Hazard Evaluation System & Information Service)
Provides information to workers, employers, and health effects of toxic substances and how to use them safely. Call collect from within California: (510) 540-3014.

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Resources Available From Cal/OSHA:

• A Guide to Cal/OSHA - brochure explaining general requirements of State law concerning occupational safety and health and the functions of Cal/OSHA.
• "Log 200" and A Brief Guide to Recordkeeping Requirements for Occupational Injuries & Illnesses.
• Cal/OSHA "Safety & Health Protection" poster and list of other required workplace posters.
• Your workplace Injury & Illness Prevention Program - a guidance manual with checklists for self-inspection.
• >Sample Injury & Illness Prevention Program - provides essential framework for customization. Suggested policies, forms, procedures and practices.
• Employer's Guide to the California Hazard Communication Regulation - booklet provides step-by-step approach to developing a Hazard Communication Program. Includes sample written program and checklist.
• Hazard Communication - reprint of General Industry Safety Orders, Title 8 CCR, section 5194
• On-site Consultation - brochure describing Cal/OSHA's non-enforcement, free consultation services.
• List of regulated carcinogens.
  

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Cal/OSHA Consultation Service

Provides free on-site consultation to employers and advice and information regarding occupational health to employers and employee groups.

The Consultation Service is not involved in enforcement activities. However, employers do have an obligation to correct any serious hazards identified.

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Resources Available From The California Chamber of Commerce:
For more information or to order, call (800) 331-8877.

• Cal/OSHA Handbook, 1992. (IDs applicable regulations, step-by-step instructions, recordkeeping, training, how to prepare for inspection.) $45
• SB 198 Handbook, 1992. (How to write your own Injury & Illness Prevention Program.) $45
• Hazard Communication Handbook, 1994. (Six-step approach to develop program, fill-in-the-blanks plan, how to conduct training (also meets Prop 65 requirements). $35
• Cal/OSHA Organizer. (A Cal/OSHA compliance and safety system; complete all documentation requirements in one place.) $25
• Complete Cal/OSHA Kit. (All four of the above documents at $21 savings.) $129
• Cal/OSHA Beyond the Basics. (New/proposed regulations.) $69, $120 update service