Cal-OSHA Implements (New) Significant Measures Related to Enforcement / Abatement

Employers in California, you should know that effective Jan 1, 2015, Cal-OSHA has some rather significant changes regarding the abatement of hazards cited as violations. It greatly limits the ability for Cal-OSHA to grant penalty reductions or settlement agreements if the violations are not - in essence - quickly abated. There are also implications for timely abatement even if the case is contested.

In short, Cal-OSHA will be pushing for "immediate" abatement regardless of case circumstances. Definitely something to keep an eye on as Fed OSHA may explore similar measures to the degree legally feasible via Administrative action.