OSHA Training
Employee safety training and business ROI
Regulatory Compliance
Running a business in California comes with unique responsibilities—especially when it comes to workplace safety. While federal OSHA standards apply nationwide, California goes above and beyond with its own Cal/OSHA requirements that are often more stringent than federal regulations. Understanding these requirements isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your most valuable assets—your employees—while safeguarding your business from costly penalties and potential lawsuits.
Whether you’re a small startup or an established enterprise, navigating California’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) training requirements can feel overwhelming. The good news? Golden State Health and Safety Solutions is a resource for everything you need to know to keep your workplace safe and compliant in 2025.
Understanding Cal/OSHA: More Than Just Federal OSHA
California operates under an OSHA State Plan, which means that California has developed its own Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations that provide additional regulations covering all private-sector employers and state and local government employers. This gives Cal/OSHA the authority to enforce standards that are at least as effective as federal OSHA—and in many cases, more protective.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), commonly known as Cal/OSHA, doesn’t just copy federal requirements. They create additional regulations tailored to California’s unique workplace challenges, from earthquake preparedness to wildfire safety protocols.
Core Cal/OSHA Training Requirements Every Employer Must Meet
1. Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) Training
Every California employer must establish, implement, and maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program. This isn’t just paperwork—it requires comprehensive employee training on workplace hazards and safety procedures specific to their job duties.
Your IIPP training must cover:
- Workplace hazard identification
- Safe work practices
- Emergency procedures
- Reporting requirements for workplace injuries and illnesses
- Employee rights under Cal/OSHA
2. Supervisor Safety Training Requirements
Supervisory employees must have meetings with their crews at least every 10 working days to emphasize safety. This requirement ensures that safety remains a constant conversation in your workplace, not just an annual checkbox.
Supervisors must be trained to:
- Identify workplace hazards
- Implement corrective measures
- Conduct effective safety meetings
- Investigate workplace incidents
- Ensure employee compliance with safety protocols
3. Hazard Communication Training
California’s Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to train employees who work with or around hazardous chemicals. This training must be provided before the first day of work and whenever new hazards are introduced to the workplace.
Training must include:
- Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Proper labeling systems
- Safe handling procedures
- Emergency response protocols
- Personal protective equipment requirements
FAQ: Are small businesses exempt from any training requirements?
Cal/OSHA requirements generally apply to all employers regardless of size, though some federal OSHA standards may have small business exemptions. The Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) applies to all California employers, even those with just one employee.
Recent Updates and Changes in 2025
COVID-19 Regulations Sunset
As of February 3, 2025, California employers mostly no longer have any COVID-19 prevention regulatory requirements, with the exception of reporting and recording requirements. While most COVID-19-specific regulations have ended, employers must still maintain safe and healthful workplaces under general Cal/OSHA requirements.
Updated Penalty Structures
Cal/OSHA has updated its penalty structure for 2025. For citations issued on or after January 1, 2025, the maximum penalties for violations classified as regulatory, general, willful, or repeat are $16,285.
Documentation and Record-Keeping Requirements
California requires employers to maintain detailed safety training records. Your documentation should include:
- Training dates and duration
- Specific topics covered
- Trainer qualifications
- Employee attendance records
- Competency assessments
- Refresher training schedules
These records must be readily available for Cal/OSHA inspectors and should be maintained for the duration of employment plus additional time as specified by relevant standards.
Take Action: Protect Your Business and Your People
Understanding Cal/OSHA training requirements is just the first step. The real value comes from implementing a comprehensive safety training program that not only meets regulatory requirements but also creates a workplace where employees feel valued and protected.
Don’t leave your business vulnerable to costly penalties and, more importantly, workplace injuries. At Golden State Health and Safety Solutions, we specialize in helping California businesses navigate complex safety requirements with practical, effective training solutions.
Our comprehensive training services include on-demand, online training and ongoing support:
- OSHA 10 and 30-hour training for construction and general industry
- Core workplace safety training programs
- Specialized courses including HAZWOPER, Confined Spaces, Heat Stress, and Hazard Communication
- Customized training solutions for your specific workplace hazards
- Documentation and record-keeping support
- Ongoing consultation to ensure continued compliance
Ready to ensure your business meets all Cal/OSHA training requirements while building a stronger safety culture? Contact Golden State Health and Safety Solutions today for a consultation. Our experienced team will assess your current training needs, identify gaps in compliance, and develop a customized solution that protects your employees and your business.
Get started today – because when it comes to workplace safety, there’s no substitute for being prepared.
About the Author: Tiffani Hill
Tiffani Hill is the Contract Specialist at Golden State Health and Safety Solutions, bringing real-world experience in health and safety training and compliance for medical professionals and First Responders. Her extensive background provides valuable insights to help California businesses navigate OSHA requirements and maintain safe, compliant workplaces.
AI Assistance Disclosure: This blog post was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to research current Cal/OSHA regulations and structure the content. While AI tools were used to draft and organize this information, all content has been reviewed for accuracy and compliance with current California workplace safety requirements.
The regulatory information, penalty amounts, and training requirements referenced in this post are based on official Cal/OSHA sources and current state regulations as of 2025. However, workplace safety regulations can change frequently, and this post should not be considered legal advice.
For the most current requirements and personalized guidance specific to your business, we recommend consulting with qualified safety professionals or contacting Cal/OSHA directly. Golden State Health and Safety Solutions remains committed to providing accurate, up-to-date safety training and consultation services to California employers.
Last Updated: September 2025