Cal/OSHA First Aid & CPR Requirements for Construction: California-Specific Guide

Why California Is Different

If you're managing construction safety in California, you're operating under Cal/OSHA — the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. California is a State Plan state, meaning it runs its own OSHA program that must be at least as effective as federal OSHA.

In practice, California is significantly stricter on multiple fronts:

Higher penalties — Cal/OSHA serious violations max at $25,000 (vs. $16,550 federal)

Criminal prosecution — California has criminal penalties for willful violations causing death

Heat illness prevention — California's §3395 is the most comprehensive in the nation

IIPP requirement — Every California employer must have a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program

More inspectors per capita — Cal/OSHA conducts more inspections than most state plans

Appeal process — Different timeline and procedures than federal

> If you just took over as safety coordinator in Northern California: assume that everything you read about federal OSHA is the floor, not the ceiling.

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Cal/OSHA First Aid Requirements: Title 8 §1512

Core Requirements

California's first aid requirements come from multiple Title 8 sections:

| Regulation | Requirement |

|---|---|

| §1512(a) | Employer shall ensure adequate first aid supplies and trained personnel |

| §1512(b) | First aid kit contents must be appropriate for workplace hazards |

| §1512(c) | Supplies must be stored in weatherproof containers and checked regularly |

| §1512(d) | At least one employee per shift must hold current first aid certification |

| §1512(e) | Emergency medical services information must be posted at the jobsite |

| §3395 | Heat illness prevention — includes first aid for heat emergencies |

| §3203 | IIPP must address first aid procedures and emergency response |

How California Exceeds Federal Requirements

| Topic | Federal OSHA (1926.50) | Cal/OSHA (