(June 8, 2011) The California Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of more than 15 industry groups are opposing a proposal to eliminate the Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Standards Board.
The CalChamber and coalition argue that the board is an effective rulemaking body providing a forum for balanced consideration, technical expertise and public input in developing safety standards that balance employer and employee concerns.
Bringing Balance
Workplace safety rules should be as fair and balanced as possible, carefully considering the policy with the perspective of employees and employers. Cal/OSHA Standards Board members are appointed for staggered terms and include members of labor, management, health and safety, reflecting the diversity critical to the rulemaking process. A balanced board considering rules vetted through a consensus process delivers a standard balanced with employer and employee concerns.
The board brings value to the rulemaking process through its success in bringing labor and management to the table to find common ground. When all parties buy in and contribute to the regulation, compliance is higher and litigation becomes almost non-existent against the board, which leads to a safer workplace for employees.
Regulations adopted without significant stakeholder involvement can result in litigation at a cost that far outweighs the cost of the board.
No Cost Savings
Pointing out that the Cal/OSHA Standards Board is funded by an employer assessment with no General Fund money, the coalition said its members support the continued cost to fund the board.
Board members are paid $100 per meeting plus travel expenses, “working essentially as volunteers,” the coalition stated in a letter.
Monetary savings identified by Governor Jerry Brown’s budget proposal are small, the coalition said.
The Cal/OSHA Standards Board has been successful in balanced rulemaking and since its elimination would not produce General Fund savings, the significant value the board brings to the employers and employees of California should be retained.
Key Votes
The elimination of the Cal/OSHA Standards Board was the subject of budget subcommittee hearings in both the Senate and Assembly.
On May 25 the Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 5 unanimously voted to eliminate the board.
Ayes: Anderson (R-El Cajon), Hancock (D-Berkeley), Wolk (D-Davis).
On May 26 the Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 4 voted unanimously to maintain the board.
Noes: Allen (D-Santa Rosa), Buchanan (D-Alamo) Dickinson (D-Sacramento), Logue (R-Linda), Wagner (R-Irvine).
Action Needed
CalChamber is urging businesses to contact their legislators and urge them to protect the Cal/OSHA Standards Board from elimination.