As California employers prepare for 2026, the state’s workplace safety and enforcement landscape is poised for significant change. In a recent Law360 article, CMC’s California Practice Chair Rachel L. Conn examines what lies ahead for Cal/OSHA enforcement and rulemaking, 
including increased inspection activity, expanded criminal investigations, and major regulatory developments affecting workplace violence prevention, heat illness, wildfire smoke, and emerging technologies.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of Cal/OSHA’s evolving priorities amid staffing challenges and heightened scrutiny following a state audit, while also offering practical insights for employers seeking to stay ahead of intensified enforcement and compliance expectations. As regulatory activity accelerates across California and the broader West Coast, this analysis underscores why proactive planning and program review will be critical in the year ahead.
- Law360 subscribers can read the full article directly on Law360.
- Non-subscribers may access the full article via the PDF linked here.
About the Author
Rachel L. Conn is a Partner and Chair of Conn Maciel Carey LLP’s California Practice in the firm’s San Francisco office. Rachel’s practice focuses on OSH compliance and litigation, including inspections, audits, investigations, and enforcement actions involving Cal/OSHA, fed OSHA, and other State OSH Plans. Previously, Rachel was a partner and led the national OSHA Practice at an AmLaw 100 law firm. She regularly advises employers on Cal/OSHA compliance, enforcement defense, and regulatory developments, and represents clients across high-hazard and heavily regulated industries. Rachel is a frequent author and speaker on workplace safety and enforcement trends.
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