As 2024 draws to a close, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on the major safety updates and initiatives implemented throughout the year in California. This year has been marked by significant advancements in safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and innovative practices, all aimed at fostering a safer and more resilient environment.
2024 Safety Recap in California:
- Cal/OSHA increased their citation penalties on January 1, 2024 to adjust for inflation by approximately 3.24%.
- The maximum penalty for General and Regulatory violations, including Posting and Recordkeeping violations is $15,873.
- The maximum penalty for Willful and Repeat violations is $158,727.
- The minimum penalty for Willful violations is $11,337.
- An Emergency Temporary Standard for Silica was introduced late December 2023 to address the growing number of silicosis among stone workers in California. This standard has been readopted twice in 2024 and will expire on December 27, 2024.
- Cal/OSHA adopted the Fed/OSHA update on June 24, 2024 and approved two additional quantitative fit testing protocols to Respiratory Protection Standard:
- The modified ambient aerosol CNC quantitative fit testing protocol for full-facepiece and half mask elastomeric respirators; and
- The modified ambient aerosol CNC quantitative fit testing protocol for filtering facepiece respirators.
- SB 553: Workplace Violence Prevention Plan became effective and enforceable on July 1, 2024 which requires employers to establish, implement, and maintain an effective written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.
- Cal/OSHA’s Indoor Heat Illness Regulation became effective July 23, 2024. This standard applies to all indoor work areas where the temperature equals or exceeds specific trigger temperatures starting at 82 degrees. Employers are required to have a written indoor heat illness prevention plan.
