Jane Brown

The primary discussion revolved around addressing silicosis exposure, specifically concerning a petition to potentially ban a product, as an alternative to the proposed ban. Presentations were given by representatives from the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), who proposed a three-year licensing and certification program with phased rollouts starting in 2026, emphasizing collaboration and industry oversight. Conversely, representatives from WOEMA and IDEPSCA argued that a ban on the toxic artificial stone is necessary, citing that current controls are insufficient to prevent dangerous exposures. Other commenters discussed the effectiveness of licensing versus banning, the need for control across all silica-generating public works, and presented evidence supporting the safety of using hand tools for fabrication under specific conditions.

The agenda for the meeting includes several key segments: Call to Order and Introductions, Remarks from the Chair, and Presentations on the Impact and Operations of U.S. Dates by representatives from Bard Valley Date Growers and the California Date Commission, as well as a presentation from the Western Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association. A significant portion is dedicated to a Public Hearing concerning proposed safety orders, specifically revisions, additions, or deletions to TITLE 8: CONSTRUCTION SAFETY ORDERS, Section 1630 regarding Elevators for Hoisting Workers. The Business Meeting section covers proposed variance decisions for adoption via a consent calendar, various reports (Executive Officer's, Legislative Update, Cal/OSHA, State Response Subcommittee), public comment on non-agenda items or proposed standards, and concludes with a Closed Session to address pending decisions (Permanent Variances) and personnel matters.

The agenda for the Closed Session meeting includes reviewing Decisions of Administrative Law Judges for cases involving L & S Framing, Inc., Los Angeles County Probation Department, and TSU/Tree Service Unlimited, Inc. The Board will also decide on Petitions for Reconsideration for several entities, including Ali Reza Tehranian and West Coast Drywall & Paint. Additionally, the agenda lists Orders Dismissing Appeal and Orders Denying Leave to File Late Appeal. A significant portion of the session is dedicated to Matters Pending Reconsideration, addressing various alleged violations such as failure to adopt a code of safe practices, failure to survey the worksite, hazard energy control regulations, and COVID-19 procedures. The session also covers matters pending litigation in Superior Court and Appellate Court for various entities, and addresses Personnel issues.

The Board approved the minutes from the January 28, 2026, meeting. Under New Business, no report was presented. Old Business involved a discussion regarding future review of comments from the Stakeholder's Roundtable once transcripts are finalized and distributed. In Legislation review, AB 1371 and AB 1424 were noted as expired, and AB 694 remained in committee. The Chairperson reported on plans to meet with FedOSHA and shared an article about an accident involving UBER. Board members inquired about telework agreements, the current lease, and proposed renovations for Sacramento and West Covina offices. The Executive Officer reported on the authorization to cease posting the COVID report online, the start date of a new Senior Legal Typist, and the status of recruitment for Attorney III and Supervisor I positions. Staff reports covered the progression of Appeal Initiation Regulations and Pre-hearing and Hearing Regulations rulemaking documents, which were sent to the Labor Agency for review. Litigation updates included rescheduled hearing dates for matters concerning Baldi/Arana, General Dynamics NASSCO, Metropolitan News Company, Uber, and The Geo Group. The Board voted to issue a Denial of Petition for Reconsideration for Innovation Construction Inc and an Order taking the Petition for Reconsideration under submission for Boulay Construction. Several matters were discussed under Orders Dismissing Appeal and Orders Denying Leave to File Late Appeal. Matters Pending Reconsideration involved discussions on various issues, including alleged violations regarding code of safe practices, worksite surveys, excavation protection systems, hazard energy control, and penalty calculations. The Board voted to grant a payment plan for assessed penalties in the One Source Plumbing & Rooter Inc. appeal.

The Board convened for a Closed Session to review and decide on various administrative matters pursuant to Government Code and Labor Code sections. Key discussion items included reviewing Decisions of Administrative Law Judges, deciding on Petitions for Reconsideration from employers and the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and addressing Orders Dismissing Appeal and Orders Denying Leave to File Late Appeal. Additionally, the session addressed Matters Pending Reconsideration across numerous cases involving alleged violations related to safety practices, hazard energy control, fall protection, scaffolding, and COVID-19 procedures. The agenda also covered providing policy direction regarding Matters Pending Litigation in both Superior and Appellate Courts.