Cal OSHA regulations play a major role in California’s manufacturing sector, as they ensure a safe and healthy work environment for workers. These regulations set standards that address potential hazards, such as exposure to harmful chemicals, machine-related injuries, and ergonomic risks, all of which are common in manufacturing settings.
By enforcing compliance, Cal OSHA helps prevent workplace accidents, reducing injury rates and ensuring that companies adhere to safety protocols. This not only protects worker’s well-being but also benefits you as an employer by minimizing lost productivity, legal liabilities, and the compensation costs that come with accidents.
Cal Osha’s regular inspections, training, and continuous updates to safety standards contribute toward creating a culture of accountability and prevention. Adhering to Cal OSHA regulations also improves the public perception of your company, as it shows that you value ethical labor practices and worker protection.
Introduction to Cal OSHA Regulations
Cal OSHA is the body governing the enforcement of safety and health regulations in workplaces. Its primary goal is to guarantee the health and safety of workers in the workplace.
This includes worker safety when handling equipment, worker safety concerning working conditions, and worker safety when handling hazardous chemicals. Cal OSHA as a governing body is primarily responsible for three things:
- Establishing and enforcing regulations and standards
- Providing education and assistance concerning regulations
- The issuance of certifications, licenses, and permits
Cal OSHA can be seen as the state equivalent of its federal counterpart — OSHA. It’s true that Cal OSHA relies on the framework used by OSHA at the federal level. However, there are ways in which it differs from OSHA.
Notably, Cal OSHA standards are often more strict than federal criteria. For example:
- Cal OSHA requires employers to have a written injury and illness prevention program, whereas OSHA does not.
- Cal OSHA has stricter reporting requirements than OSHA
- Cal OSHA has a wider coverage of industries, such as hospitality, agriculture, and healthcare
The manufacturing industry has special requirements when compared to other industries. As a result, Cal OSHA has developed standards and regulations specifically for this sector. In the following section, we take a quick look at these standards.
Key Cal OSHA Regulations for Manufacturers in California
Cal OSHA regulations for the manufacturing industry can be complicated, as there are so many of them. However, here are some of the more important or common regulations for manufacturers.
- Machine safeguarding. Cal OSHA mandates that machinery with moving parts must be equipped with guards to prevent accidents like amputations or crushing injuries.
- Hazardous materials. These are regulations governing the proper labeling, storage, and handling of hazardous chemicals and other materials. It also includes proper employee training regarding the handling of such materials to reduce risks of exposure-related illnesses or injuries.
- Ergonomics. These are rules that aim to reduce the risk of accidents and musculoskeletal disorders. These rules encourage manufacturers to adopt practices, equipment, and engineering designs that minimize repetitive stress injuries as well as accidents.
- Cal OSHA’s injury and illness prevention program (IIPP). This program requires employers to develop and implement a comprehensive safety plan, including regular inspections, hazard assessments, and employee safety training.
- Proper signage. Employers are required to display vital safety information where it is convenient for employees to see or access it. This information also relates to hazard communication and compliance rules.
- Respiratory and noise exposure protection. Cal OSHA enforces regulations to ensure that workers are protected from long-term health risks associated with inhaling toxins or excessive noise levels.
Conclusion
Cal OSHA takes its role in enforcing occupational safety in California’s manufacturing industry seriously. So much so, that its standards are often even higher than those that exist on the federal level. The organization ensures that workers have access to proper safety equipment, training, and workspaces.
As an employer you should take special care to ensure that you are following Cal OSHA regulations. However, these regulations are so many and complicated, they may be difficult to follow for small or even medium-sized organizations like yours.
At CDMS, we have the expertise and years of experience of working in California. We know all the ins and outs of Cal OSHA regulations in California and would be more than happy to help you ensure that you remain compliant. Get in touch with us today for expert support and solutions to get EHS Compliance Management services.
