California Requires All Employers to have an IIPP

In California every employer has a legal obligation to provide and maintain a safe and healthful workplace for employees, according to the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973. As of 1991, a written, effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) is required for every California employer.  The IIPP describes the employers' responsibilities in establishing, implementing and maintaining, an IIPP. It also outlines steps that can be taken to develop an effective program that helps assure the safety and health of employees while on the job.

The term "employer" as used in the Cal/OSHA Act includes any person or corporation, the State and every State agency, every county or city or district and public agency therein, which has any person engaged in or permitted to work for hire, except for household services.

The IIPP manual is designed to help employers provide better workplace protection for their employees, and to reduce losses resulting from accidents and injuries. The material in this publication is based on principles and techniques developed by occupational safety and health professionals nationwide. It is intended to provide guidance.

In California every employer is required by law to provide a safe and healthful workplace for his/her employees. Title 8 (T8), of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), requires every California employer to have an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program in writing that must be in accord with T8 CCR Section 3203 of the General Industry Safety Orders.

An Injury and Illness Prevention Program must be a written plan that includes procedures and is put into practice.  These required elements of an IIPP are listed below:

1. Management commitment/assignment of responsibilities;
2. Safety communications system with employees;
3. System for assuring employee compliance with safe work practices;
4. Scheduled inspections/evaluation system;
5. Accident investigation;
6. Procedures for correcting unsafe/unhealthy conditions;
7. Safety and health training and instruction; and
8. Recordkeeping and documentation.