Oakland Cal/OSHA Meeting October 27: California Debates Workplace Violence Prevention Rules

Featured photo: conference room by Michael Fousert / Unsplash. Illustrative only; not an image of the Cal/OSHA advisory meeting.

OAKLAND, ALAMEDA COUNTY — OCTOBER 18, 2026. California workers, employers and safety professionals will have an opportunity to follow a proposed workplace-safety regulation at a Cal/OSHA advisory meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Oakland. The meeting concerns an updated draft of Title 8, Section 3343, Workplace Violence Prevention in General Industry. It is a discussion of a proposed standard, not an announcement that this new draft is already in force.

Time and location

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Place: Elihu M. Harris State Building, 1515 Clay Street, 13th Floor, Training Room, Oakland, CA 94612.
Format: In-person only, according to the Cal/OSHA meeting page.
Topic: Updated draft for Title 8 Section 3343, workplace violence prevention in general industry.

Check the official meeting page for the agenda, discussion draft, invitation and any updates before traveling.

What is being discussed?

The Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly called Cal/OSHA, has been reviewing draft general-industry workplace violence requirements through an advisory process. The agency posted revised draft language in July and September 2026 and set the October meeting to discuss the latest version. The site lists prior meetings and drafts so stakeholders can compare proposed changes.

Does this mean a new workplace law starts October 27?

No. An advisory meeting is a step in gathering input on regulatory language. Employers and workers should distinguish existing duties under California law from the particular proposed text under consideration. Attendance, discussion or a draft document does not by itself put a new regulation into effect.

Why the meeting matters

Workplace violence prevention policies can affect how employers assess hazards, train employees, document incidents and respond to threats. The details of any future requirements depend on the final rulemaking process. Workers, unions, industry representatives and business owners may find the draft discussion important because it addresses practical workplace-safety planning.

Questions to bring to the advisory meeting

How would the draft address workplace violence hazards across different sizes and types of businesses?
How would proposed language interact with existing violence-prevention requirements?
What records, notices or training obligations are under discussion?
How would smaller employers implement new requirements, if adopted?
What are the next opportunities to submit comments and when would a final proposed standard be reviewed?

How to follow the process

The Cal/OSHA workplace violence advisory page hosts available materials, including drafts and meeting documents. The department’s advisory meeting calendar lists staff contacts and the location. Those who cannot attend should check with the agency about subsequent comment procedures rather than assuming a virtual broadcast is available.

What changes for California businesses and workers?

For now, the immediate change is an opportunity for stakeholder input on the updated draft. Businesses should continue complying with applicable current workplace-safety rules while monitoring any future adopted standard. This report is informational and does not provide a legal determination for a specific workplace.

Primary sources: Cal/OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention in General Industry advisory page; official meeting schedule. Cal/OSHA may update meeting arrangements.