Government Affairs Update Nov 2025
Cal/OSHA — Increased civil penalty amounts for 2025
Summary: Cal/OSHA published adjusted civil penalty amounts for 2025 (higher maxima for general, willful/repeat, and minimums). Effective date: Published Jan 27, 2025.
Source: Cal/OSHA News Release. Link: Cal DIR
- The maximum penalty for general and regulatory violations, including posting and recordkeeping violations, is $16,285.
- The maximum penalty for willful and repeat violations is $162,851.
- The maximum penalty for violations classified as serious is $25,000; it did not increase.
- The minimum penalty for willful violations is $11,632.
OSHA — Federal civil penalty increases (Inflation Adjustment) (Jan 15, 2025)
Summary: OSHA adjusted maximum penalties upward under the inflation-adjustment rules
Source: OSHA announcement. Link: OSHA
| · Serious· Other-Than-Serious· Posting Requirements | $16,550 per violation$16,550 per violation$16,550 per violation |
| · Failure to Abate | $16,550 per day beyond the abatement date |
| · Willful or Repeated | $165,514 per violation |
CA Workplace Violence Prevention Plan required by a July 1, 2024
Purpose: The plan aims to mitigate workplace violence risks and ensure employee safety.
Components: The plan should include risk assessments, training programs, reporting procedures, and measures for addressing violent incidents.
Training: Employees should receive training on recognizing and responding to potential violence, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques.
Reporting: Procedures for reporting incidents or threats of violence should be clearly outlined, with confidentiality and non-retaliation protections for reporting employees.
Review and Update: Regular review and update of the plan to reflect changing circumstances or new risks are necessary.
Reminder: this summary is not exhaustive, and employers should refer to the specific requirements outlined in the legislation here:
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Workplace-Violence/General-Industry.html
San Francisco Lithium Battery (LiB) Requirements:
Did you know SF has new LiB requirements that came into effect on January 29, 2024.*
The requirements apply to facilities storing or handling lithium batteries in various capacities including encased in Powered Mobility Devices
An excerpt of key topics covered is shown below:
- Storage and Handling
- Battery Charging Areas
- Inspections
- Damaged Batteries and Recycling
- Incident Reporting
Reminder: This summary is not exhaustive and employers should refer directly to the specific requirements provided in the document provided by the San Francisco Fire Department for guidance here: