Governor Signs SB 553-Workplace Violence Prevention Bill-Compliance Required by July 1, 2024 & the Latest Cal/OSHA Standards Board Updates

By Rachel L. Conn

SB 553 Becomes Law

On September 30, 2023, Governor Newsom signed a slew of new bills—including SB 553 Workplace Violence Prevention. All California employers (unless they fall under one of the few exemptions) will be required by July 1, 2024 to establish, implement, and maintain an effective workplace violence prevention plan. Full coverage of SB 553’s requirements can be found on CMC’s previous Cal/OSHA Defense Blog posts.

Cal/OSHA Standards Board Updates

In addition to the new workplace violence prevention requirements, the latest Cal/OSHA Standards Board meeting provided status updates on other important news and Cal/OSHA regulations.

Standards Board Members Update:

Joseph M. Alioto, Jr. was sworn in as a new board member, assuming the public member seat. Both David Thomas (Board Chair and Labor Representative) and Nola Kennedy (Occupational Health Representative) were also reappointed.

Draft Regulations Update:

• Lead-The second 15-day notice is currently with Standards Board staff and is expected to be published in early October. A vote is anticipated in the first quarter of 2024.
• Indoor Heat– Cal/OSHA is finalizing the review of comments received on August 22nd. The second 15-day notice is anticipated in early November. A vote is expected in the first quarter of 2024.
• Silica Emergency Temporary Standard: A revised draft was posted on September 7th and emergency rulemaking documents are under review. A vote is expected at the Board’s December meeting.
• Workplace Violence Prevention: SB 553 directed Cal/OSHA to continue the rulemaking process. The next discussion draft is awaiting final approval and an additional advisory committee meeting is expected. 
• Infectious Disease- General Industry & Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standards: Both continue to be in the works, but no definitive timeline was provided.

To learn more about SB 553 and the latest on the other draft standards, register for Conn Maciel Carey LLP’s upcoming Cal/OSHA and California Employment Law Summit.

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Conn Maciel Carey LLP’s Cal/OSHA and California Employment Law Summit is an in-person program presented by the California-based attorneys in CMC’s national OSHA • Workplace Safety and Labor • Employment Practice Groups, to update California employers on important developments involving workplace safety and health issues in California.

Our Summit will include networking opportunities, open forums to collaborate with the CMC team and your fellow attendees, and panelist sessions to cover:

• New California OSH laws and regulations on the horizon

• Further insight into what is top of mind for Cal/OSHA based on recent Appeal Board decisions

• How California employment laws may be impacted by various workplace safety requirements

• Key decisions from the California courts and National Labor Relations Board that will affect California employers from wage and hour issues to handbook reviews, and more

• Best practices for improving your company’s workplace safety and health programs

Two Dates and Locations to Choose From

Registrants have the opportunity to join the program in Northern California on October 16th, or in Southern California on October 17th. Each day will consist of the program outlined in the agenda below. Continental breakfast, lunch, and program materials will be included with registration at both locations.

Click here for the agenda and to register for the Cal/OSHA and California Employment Law Summit.

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