Cal OSHA establishes and enforces workplace health and safety regulations throughout the state of California. These standards directly impact healthcare workers and the patients they serve. Cal OSHA oversees almost all industries and workplaces throughout the state, so it’s crucial for California businesses to familiarize themselves with Cal OSHA regulations and strategies for compliance.
What Is Cal OSHA?
Cal OSHA is California’s state program of safety regulations designed to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on the job. It is also known as the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, operating under California’s Department of Industrial Relations, with standards that often go above and beyond federal OSHA mandates.
For healthcare professionals in California, understanding and meeting Cal OSHA guidelines safeguards the health, safety, and efficiency of the workforce while providing optimal care for patients.
Cal OSHA Regulations
Creating and maintaining a safe workplace in healthcare requires adherence to key Cal OSHA standards. These include regulations for bloodborne pathogens, mandating injury and illness prevention plans, proper PPE use, and process safety management enforcement. Ergonomic standards address musculoskeletal injuries through lifting techniques, mechanical aids, and workstation assessments. For aerosol transmissible diseases (ATDs) like tuberculosis or COVID-19, Cal OSHA requires engineering controls (e.g., negative pressure rooms), PPE, and staff training. Cal OSHA also enforces workplace violence prevention guidelines, including incident reporting, de-escalation training, and security assessments.
Cal OSHA Training Requirements and Compliance
Compliance with Cal OSHA guidelines creates a safe, efficient, and legally sound workplace. Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal action, and risks to the health of employees and patients. Navigating Cal OSHA regulations can be challenging, but your business can make use of available resources to guide you through the compliance process. Gamma Compliance Solutions offers training courses tailored specifically for healthcare professionals looking to stay up to date with the latest Cal OSHA standards. Contact us today to learn more about our Cal OSHA training resources; you can also browse our online courses for training specifics.
