Cal/OSHA, OSHA, EPA, and DOT changes that affect our clients — refreshed automatically from official agency newsrooms.
The long-awaited federal heat rule takes effect in 2026, requiring written prevention plans, water, shade, acclimatization, and rest breaks at defined heat-index triggers for indoor and outdoor work.
Annual inflation adjustment increases serious and other-than-serious violations to $17,043, with willful and repeat penalties now at $170,438 per violation. Update internal citation-tracking and budget models.
Section 3396 amendments add written acclimatization logs and supervisor sign-off for work above 87°F. Inspectors are now requesting heat logs during unrelated visits.
Manufacturers and importers of articles containing PFAS face expanded retroactive reporting in 2026. Review supplier declarations and historical purchasing records now.
State driver licensing agencies must now downgrade CDLs for drivers in prohibited status. Carriers should re-run queries and verify return-to-duty documentation for all current drivers.
New NEP targets warehouses, distribution centers, and high-injury-rate retail establishments — focus areas include powered industrial trucks, heat, ergonomics, and emergency egress.
Section 3396 enforcement is in full effect statewide. Indoor work areas above 82°F require cool-down access, water, acclimatization, and a written plan.
Annual inflation adjustment raises the maximum penalty for serious and other-than-serious violations to $16,550 per violation, with willful/repeat at $165,514.
Self-certification thresholds and template plan requirements clarified. Facilities storing oil should review qualifying criteria before year-end.
Local Emphasis Program targets distribution centers and fulfillment warehouses with focus on quota-based work pacing and musculoskeletal injuries.
FMCSA clarifies acceptable personal conveyance use, including return-to-yard scenarios. Driver logs and policies should be updated.
SB 553 requires nearly all California employers to maintain a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and conduct annual training. First-year reviews are due now.
New guidance addresses prolonged outdoor exposure for agricultural and construction workers during fire season.
Form 300A summaries must be posted February 1 through April 30. Electronic submission required for establishments with 100+ employees in designated industries.