California OSHA is sharply rebutting federal OSHA's critique of the state's occupational safety and health program, challenging OSHA's suggestion that California programs not mirroring federal mandates are not “at least as effective” as federal OSHA standards--the requirement for federal approval of a state plan. Federal OSHA recently asked Cal/OSHA and 24 other state-run programs to correct within 30 days what OSHA pegged as deficiencies in their occupational safety and health programs. OSHA's request came amidst Cal/OSHA's efforts to convince OSHA to formally approve the state plan using an
December 30, 2025