Labor Representative to be Appointed to Cal-OSHA Board of Appeals

Safety & Workers' Compensation

While Traeger was approved for another term, she was rebuked for Cal/OSHA’s policies relating to heat stress regulation enforcement and questioned on why penalties issued to employers have been slashed even when workers died. Steinberg stated that more Senate oversight was needed to monitor cases such as the heat related death cases.

According to Traeger, Cal/OSHA has attempted to settle more cases to alleviate the backlog and increase efficiency. Under her leadership Cal/OSHA settles approximately 84% of cases, whereas before 70-80% settled.

COUNSEL TO MANAGEMENT:

This is just the latest in a series of political actions putting pressure on Cal/OSHA to modify its enforcement policies and procedures pertaining to heat stress regulations. Last week we reported that Cal/OSHA is now referring all heat-stress related cases to the litigation unit, without the option of settlement at the regional level. Increasing political pressure and the appointment of a labor representative to the OSHAB will inevitably result in higher scrutiny for employers by Cal/OSHA.

Management should be prepared for Cal/OSHA because the heat will be on employers now more than ever to comply with heat stress regulations.

The goal of this article is to provide employers with current labor and employment law information. The contents should not be interpreted or construed as legal advice or opinion. For individual responses to questions or concerns regarding any given situation, the reader should consult with The Saqui Law Group at (831) 443-7100.