California’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (Cal/OSHA) requires employers with 10 or more employees to develop and maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP).
Cal/OSHA recently approved a new rule that will allow employees access to their employer’s IIPP. The rule will also require employers to inform their employees of their right, and the procedure they must follow, to request access to their employer’s IIPP. The rule becomes effective Jan. 1, 2021.
California IIPP Access Requirements
The new rule will require employers to make their written IIPPs available within five business days of receiving an employee request. Employers may allow the requesting employee access to the written IIPP by providing:
- A printed or electronic copy of the plan, or
- Unobstructed access to the plan through company servers or websites.
Providing a Copy of the IIPP
Employers must provide a printed copy of the IIPP unless the requester agrees to receive an electronic copy. The first printed copy must be provided free of charge. Employers may charge a reasonable, nondiscriminatory fee for additional copies requested during a 12-month period if the IIPP has not changed.
Providing Unobstructed Access to the IIPP
Unobstructed access should allow the requester to review, print and email the IIPP. “Unobstructed” access means that the employee can access the information as part of his or her regular work duties using the electronic means that he or she uses to predictably and routinely communicate with management and coworkers.
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