Safety: CSLB Law & Business Practice Questions

Which California employers must have a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)?

Title 8 CCR §3203(a) and Labor Code §6401.7 require every employer to establish, implement and maintain an effective written IIPP; construction employers also follow 8 CCR §1509.

Which of these is a required element of an IIPP?

Section 3203(a) requires naming the responsible person, a compliance system, a communication system, hazard inspections, injury investigation, timely hazard correction, training, and employee access to the program.

An employer has six employees. How may it communicate general safe work practices under the IIPP?

The exception in §3203(a)(3) lets employers with fewer than 10 employees communicate general safe work practices orally, with specific instructions on hazards unique to each job.

When must IIPP safety training be given?

Section 3203(a)(7) requires training when the program starts, for all new employees, for new assignments, when new substances, processes or equipment bring new hazards, when new hazards are recognized, and for supervisors.

How long must records of IIPP safety inspections and training generally be kept?

Section 3203(b) requires inspection and training records to be kept for at least one year, with limited exceptions for employers with fewer than 10 employees.

An employee asks for a copy of the company's IIPP. How soon must the employer provide access?

Section 3203(a)(8) requires access to the program no later than five business days after an employee or designated representative asks.

Besides the IIPP, what written document must every construction employer adopt?

Title 8 CCR §1509(b) requires a written Code of Safe Practices related to the employer's operations, posted at each job-site office or given to each supervisor.

How often must supervisors hold toolbox or tailgate safety meetings with their crews?

Section 1509(e) requires toolbox or tailgate safety meetings, or equivalent, at least every 10 working days.

What must a new construction worker receive when first employed?

Section 1510(a) requires instruction on hazards and precautions for the type of work, and directing new workers to read the Code of Safe Practices.

Who may operate equipment and machinery on a construction site?

Section 1510(b) requires the employer to permit only qualified persons to operate equipment and machinery.

A worker suffers a serious injury on the job. How soon must the employer report it to Cal/OSHA?

Title 8 CCR §342(a) requires reporting a serious injury, illness or death immediately, meaning as soon as practically possible but not more than 8 hours (24 hours only if exigent circumstances exist).

A worker's injury requires medical treatment beyond first aid. Within how many days must the employer file the occupational injury report (Form 5020) with its insurer?

Labor Code §6409.1(a) requires the employer's report of an injury causing lost time or treatment beyond first aid within five days after learning of it (to the insurer if insured).

How long must the Cal/OSHA Form 300 injury and illness log be kept?

Recordkeeping rules require the Form 300 log, the annual summary (300A) and incident reports (301) to be kept for five years following the end of the calendar year they cover.

When does a contractor need a Cal/OSHA permit before digging a trench?

Labor Code §6500 and 8 CCR §341(d)(5) require a permit for trenches or excavations 5 feet or deeper into which a person must descend.

For which other activity does Cal/OSHA require a permit?

Section 341(d) requires permits for scaffolding, vertical shoring or falsework over 36 feet, structures over 36 feet in height (steel erection and similar work), demolition over 36 feet, tower cranes, and underground diesel use, besides 5-foot trenches.