Occupational safety: live events.
The bill's enforcement mechanism allows the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to issue citations and civil penalties against entertainment events vendors who fail to comply with the training requirements. This is a significant step in addressing the historical workplace hazards that entertainment workers face, particularly those who handle complex systems and setup for events, often under dire weather conditions and at considerable heights. By ensuring that these workers complete standardized safety training, AB 1775 aims to reduce accidents and improve overall workplace safety within the entertainment sector.
Assembly Bill No. 1775, known as the Occupational Safety: Live Events, is legislation aimed at enhancing the safety standards for workers involved in the production of live events in California. By adding Part 14 to Division 5 of the Labor Code, it mandates that contracting entities require entertainment events vendors to certify that their employees and subcontractors complete specific training and certification relevant to their roles. These trainings include the Cal/OSHA-10 and OSHA-10 courses, which focus on general workplace health and safety, with particular adaptations for the entertainment industry.
Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB 1775 appears to be supportive among stakeholders who prioritize worker safety and protection. Supporters argue that enhanced training requirements will prevent accidents and promote safer working environments. However, there may be some concerns regarding the potential financial and logistical burdens placed on smaller entertainment vendors who may struggle to meet these new requirements. Nevertheless, the overarching goal of improving safety standards is generally well-received.
The primary contention associated with AB 1775 lies in balancing the need for regulation and compliance with the realities of operating in the entertainment industry. While proponents advocate for worker safety, there may be discussions about the practicality of imposing training requirements on a diverse and variable workforce typically employed on a temporary basis for events. There are also concerns about how penalties will be administered and whether they disproportionately affect smaller vendors compared to larger, well-established companies.