Seyfarth Synopsis: September 30 was Governor Newsom’s last day to sign or veto bills the Legislature passed by its August 31 deadline. Some new laws—including COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave and workers’ compensation presumption—became effective immediately upon signing. Others—such as an expansion of CFRA and other leave rights, an EEO-1-like annual pay data report, and (believe it
Continue Reading Pen Down, Governor Newsom: California’s Newest Employment Laws
COVID-19 Exposure Notification Requirements Coming To A Workplace Near You
Seyfarth Synopsis: As California’s legislative session comes to an end, a wave of new COVID-19 related laws that impact employers are being signed into law. On September 17, 2020, Governor Newsom signed AB 685, which will require employers to provide specific notices to employees exposed to COVID-19 within one business day of becoming aware of the exposure, and impacts
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ALL California Employers Must Have Injury and Illness Prevention Programs
Seyfarth Synopsis: A unique element of Cal/OSHA is its requirement that ALL employers have a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). 8 CCR 3203.
Despite the IIPP requirement being “on the books” since 1991, many employers with establishments in California still do not have an IIPP. In fact Cal/OSHA issues more citations under the IIPP standard than
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When Disaster Strikes: How Employers Should Respond to Wildfires
Seyfarth Synopsis: When faced with wildfires or natural disasters, California employers must keep calm, carry on, and continue to meet their obligations under California law.
Be Prepared.
All employers, not just those in California, must have an Emergency Action Plan (“EAP”) and Fire Prevention Plan (“FPP’).
California regulations state that an EAP should include (1) procedures for emergency evacuation, (2)
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New Cal/OSHA Emergency Regulation to Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke
Seyfarth Synopsis: Cal/OSHA’s new emergency regulation for workers exposed to wildfire smoke creates new obligations for many employers.
An emergency regulation on Protection from Wildfire Smoke applies to outdoor workers and to workers in semi-indoor places. Examples include day laborers, agricultural workers, landscapers, construction workers, and sanitation workers. Requirements (described below) kick in when the current Air Quality Index
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Cool For the Summer
Seyfarth Synopsis: As the mercury rises, California employers must comply with regulatory requirements to keep their employees cool. Employers should be aware of Cal/OSHA’s existing requirements for outdoor workplaces and proposed rules which could turn up the heat on indoor employers.
California Keeps It Cool
For many years, Cal/OSHA has distinguished itself from Federal OSHA by, among other things,
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Attention California Employers! Cal/OSHA Issues Notice of Emergency Regulation for Electronic Submission of CY 2017 Form 300A by December 31, 2018
By Joshua M. Henderson, Ilana R. Morady, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: CalOSHA published a news release TODAY, on a new emergency regulation for the electronic submission of CY 2017 Form 300A on Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. CalOSHA submitted the rule yesterday, and will allow public comments until Tuesday, October 30th, with
Continue Reading Attention California Employers! Cal/OSHA Issues Notice of Emergency Regulation for Electronic Submission of CY 2017 Form 300A by December 31, 2018
Treating Employees To Halloween Fun Can Be Tricky
Seyfarth Synopsis: Halloween is lurking just around the corner, and workplace festivities may present unusual challenges. Unsafe or offensive costumes, religious discrimination, and harassment are among the issues potentially facing employers around this time of year. Here are some tips to avoid the tricks and enjoy the treats.
Exorcise Your Right to Have Fun
It’s not uncommon to allow employees
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Proposition 65: Sign of the Times—For Employers, What’s New is Old
Seyfarth Synopsis: As of August 30, 2018, California businesses must provide the public with more information about dangerous chemicals present at the business location. Many California employers will comply with the new requirements through the Cal/OSHA-required workplace hazardous communication program. For occupational exposures that do not meet the thresholds for HazMat communications, posting new signs will meet the requirements.
Continue Reading Proposition 65: Sign of the Times—For Employers, What’s New is Old
California is Hot: Avoiding Workplace Heat Illness
Seyfarth Synopsis: As recent triple-digit temps have shown, California is still one of the hottest places to be—literally. Today’s post reminds all employers, especially with employees who work outdoors or in open-air environments, that OSHA, Cal-OSHA, and the California Labor Code all prescribe protections from the heat.
California rest and recovery breaks.
California employers must provide non-exempt employees with
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