Welcome
November 2026 Government Affairs Update
Hazardous Materials, Chemical Safety & EPA Updates
- EPA Risk Management Program (RMP) Amendments (2024 Final Rule) Chemical accident prevention requirements. Source: https://www.epa.gov/rmp
- EPA Safety Drinking Water Regulation (2024) New enforceable limits for PFAS compounds. Source: https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) Updates Alignment with GHS Revision 7. Source: https://www.osha.gov/hazcom
- California CUPA / Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) Annual inventory, emergency response, and site map requirements. Source: https://calepa.ca.gov/cupa/ereporting/
November is the perfect time to update chemical inventories, SDS libraries, and emergency response plans. With new EPA PFAS rules and HazCom alignment updates, ensure your documentation is current and your teams understand chemical hazards and controls.
Safety Tip
Check expiration dates on spill kits and chemical PPE, replace anything that’s past service life.
SF Chapter: OSHA Training Center Panel Series
When: Wednesday, October 21 | 7:30 AM – 10 AM
Where: OSHA Training Institute, Pleasanton
Cost: $5
Join the SF Chapter at the OSHA Training Center Institute for a series of panel discussions on relevant EHS topics! First up- AI in EHS
The San Francisco ASSP Chapter and the OSHA Training Insitute Education Center are co-hosting a series of panel discussions on EHS topics that matter to you. The first panel discussion will discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) in EHS:
Understanding AI, Exploring Practical Applications, and Preparing for the Future of Safety
Learning objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of artificial intelligence.
- Learn how AI is currently being used in workplace safety.
- Identify opportunities and limitations of AI tools.
- Gain practical ideas they can immediately apply.
Schedule:
- 7:30 a.m. – Bagels and coffee and networking
- 8:00 a.m. – Welcome & Introductions
- 8:10-8:20 a.m. – AI 101- Basics of AI for EHS Professionals
- 8:20-8:30 a.m. – Using AI in safety
- 8:30-9:20 a.m. – Panel discussion
- Practical uses of AI in safety
- Benefits and limitations
- Compliance and ethical considerations
- The future of AI in the safety profession
- 9:20- 9:30 a.m. – Audience Q&A and closing remarks
The three panelists are:
- Patience Adagba-Okeke, PhD, CSP, PMP
- Naci Ozgur, PhD, CIH, CSP, CHMM
- Cari Elofson-Callahan
5860 Owen Drive, 3rd FL, Pleasanton, CA 94588
October 2026 Government Affairs Update
Workplace Violence Prevention (WVPP) & Behavioral Safety
State:
- Cal/OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention (SB 553) Effective July 2024; ongoing enforcement. Source: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Workplace-Violence/Laws-in-General-Industry.html
Federal:
- OSHA Guidance on Workplace Violence General industry guidance for prevention programs. Source: https://www.osha.gov/workplace-violence
Newsletter Note
October is a good month for reinforcing behavioral safety and strengthening your Workplace Violence Prevention Program. Review your WVPP plan, refresh de‑escalation training, and ensure employees know how to report concerns early. Strong communication and early intervention prevent escalation.
LinkedIn Post
Workplace violence prevention is about clarity, communication, and confidence. Reinforce reporting pathways, refresh de-escalation skills, and make sure your WVPP plan is active—not just compliant.
Safety Tip
Encourage employees to report early indicators of concern. Small signals often prevent larger incidents.
Best Regards,
Dawn Armstrong
Government Affairs Chair