Is your business prepared for the California Big Three? California is fining businesses for Cal/OSHA, RCRA & SB-1383 violations

Threat 1: Cal/OSHA

In California every employer is required by law to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.

Title 8 (T8) of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 3203, requires every California employer to have an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) in writing and available to all employees.

On average, OSHA fines cost business over $32,000,000 per year

• For example, in 2020, they fined a restaurant over $1.5 million for non-compliance with IIPP statute 3203
• As of January 1, 2024, the penalty for a record keeping violation is $15,873
• The penalty for repeat violations is $158,727

Threat 2: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) gives the EPA authority to control hazardous waste from cradle to grave. The RCRA also set forth a framework for the management of non-hazardous solid wastes.

Generators:

• Large Quantity Generators - (More than 2,200 lbs of hazardous waste per month)
• Small Quantity Generators - (less than 2200 lbs of hazardous waste per month)
• Very Small Quantity Generators - (less than 220 lbs of hazardous waste per month)

Note: Hazardous waste includes batteries, electronic waste, paint and other substances

Your business is subject inspections that are conducted by EPA, authorized states, or both.

Violations can cost upwards to $1,000,000 for your business.

Threat 3: SB-1383 (California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant)

Under SB-1383, your city or county must audit your business yearly and fine you for each infraction, or face significant fines themselves. Each violation of SB-1383 has an associated cost of $50 to $500.

For example, you are responsible for training all your employees, customers and contractors on how to properly dispose of waste. This training must be done annually and must be documented (improper documentation is a $2500 fine). Everywhere there is a trash can in your business, there must be a compost bin and recycle bin. And when (not if) inspectors show up at your facility, you are required to let them into your business, or be fined $2500 per day until they return.

How the BEC can help?

It’s not a matter of if; but when… Whether it is a surprise SB-1383 audit, OSHA visiting your facility after a workplace injury to evaluate your Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), or the EPA verifying your company’s hazardous waste procedures; we at the BEC help you as a member, prepare for the inevitable.

As a member of the BEC, you will have access to tools, documentation, and professional trainings to help stay in compliance:

• Signs, posters, and documents you can print to comply with SB-1383
• Access to our OSHA training documents and form to create an Prevention Program (IIPP)
• Email support for questions regarding Cal/OSHA, RCRA & SB-1383
• Optional employee training courses for regulatory compliance with Cal/OSHA & SB-1383 via the BEC Training Academy
• Optional on-site consulting services, to prepare your business for a California Audit

Membership is $99 per year, CLICK HERE to JOIN. Or call, 949-400-7274 to discuss a customized plan to mitigate these mandatory fines