“Recovering Regulator” and Cal/OSHA at BRS sponsored ASSE Conference
Nov
7
Written by:
11/7/2011
During the conference in October, John Duncan, former Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations, warned there appears to be some indications the new administration at Cal/OSHA could be less employer friendly and more enforcement oriented. This comment was based on an excerpt from a recent memo sent by Cal/OSHA Chief Ellen Widess to DOSH staff regarding the first 100 days of her appointment stating, "In just three months, thanks to your good work, we’ve sent a powerful message about the importance of compliance to all employers in California..."
In addition to John Duncan, Cal/OSHA’s Chief Counsel and prosecutor Amy Martin passionately spoke about some current issues that are hot with enforcement. This included heat illness, personal protective equipment, and AB 2774 - the 2010 law that changed the way DOSH cites employers for serious violations. Many of her comments were captured by the Cal/OSHA Reporter, which was present during the conference. Cal/OSHA: Serious Cites Easier To Give Says Chief Council
It’s going to be interesting to see the next steps and the focus of Cal/OSHA administration. Stay tuned!
