Cal/OSHA’s High Hazard Unit: How Employers Can Prepare for Targeted Enforcement in High-Hazard Industries

Presented by Rachel Conn, Megan Shaked, and Andrea Chavez

Cal/OSHA has a specialized High Hazard Unit dedicated to conducting targeted programmed inspections in certain “High Hazard Industries.” The scope of industries covered by the High Hazard unit is based on industry rates of preventable occupational injuries/illnesses and workers’ compensation losses. Using a regularly updated High Hazard Industry List identifying targeted industries, Cal/OSHA conducts comprehensive inspections of select employers included among the high hazard industries. The 2025-2026 High Hazard Industry List covers a wide variety of employers, including certain employers in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, transportation & warehousing, and more.

Participants in this webinar will learn:

• The structure of the High Hazard unit within Cal/OSHA
• The basis for and scope of inspections conducted by the High Hazard Unit
• The factors that may contribute to a particular employer being selected for a High Hazard inspection
• Exceptions and limits to High Hazard Unit inspections
• Review of the 2025-2026 High Hazard Industry List and additional insights from past years’ lists
• How other existing emphasis programs may impact High Hazard inspections
• Best practices for employers who may be subject to High Hazard inspections

The request for 1.00 General California Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit is pending approval.