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Cal/OSHA vs. Federal OSHA: Aerial Lift and MEWP Certification Requirements

Published: June 2025

Cal/OSHA vs. Federal OSHA: Aerial Lift and MEWP Certification Requirements 

Understanding the differences between Federal OSHA and Cal/OSHA is essential for employers and safety professionals working with mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) including boom lifts, scissor lifts, and cherry pickers. While both agencies aim to ensure workplace safety, Cal/OSHA often enforces stricter and more detailed regulations than the federal baseline. If your organization operates in California, failing to comply can lead to significant fines and enforcement actions.

What Is Federal OSHA and How Does Cal/OSHA Differ?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards in workplaces across the United States. OSHA provides training, outreach, education, and assistance to help employers ensure a safe working environment.

Cal/OSHA, or the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, is one of 22 states that operate an OSHA-approved state plan. These plans must be at least as effective as federal standards—but California often goes further, requiring more stringent safety practices and documentation.

Tip: If your business operates in California, Cal/OSHA requirements apply and take precedence wherever they are more stringent than federal OSHA.

Regulatory Scope: Who Regulates What?

You can find more about these regulations at OSHA.gov and dir.ca.gov.

Aerial Lift Certification and Safety Requirements

Federal OSHA (29 CFR 1910.178)

Cal/OSHA (GISO §3668 + others)

Aerial Lift Safety and Training Requirements

Federal OSHA

Cal/OSHA (GISO §3648)

Aerial Lift Safety Rules: Federal OSHA vs. Cal/OSHA

Fall Protection (Boom Lifts)

Fall Protection (Scissor Lifts)

Training Documentation

Lift Classification

Penalties and Enforcement Actions

Cal/OSHA is known for thorough inspections and stricter enforcement. Its penalties for noncompliance are often higher and more precise than Federal OSHA’s.

Cal/OSHA Penalties (as of Jan 2025):

Federal OSHA Penalties (as of Jan 2025):

Real Case Study: Cal/OSHA Incident Investigation 

Company: Hebrew Home for Aged Disabled, San Francisco, CA
Incident: January 22, 2019; A supervising employee was struck by a boom lift. He sustained a fractured ankle and had to seek hospital treatment. 

Applicable Rule: Cal/OSHA §3203(A(2)):

"Every employer shall… Include a system for ensuring that employees comply with safe and healthy work practices…"

Violation Classification: Other
Penalty: $300

Total Penalties: $300

Inspection: 1382035.015

What Employers Should Do

Bottom Line: Proactive safety training, clear documentation, and routine evaluations are the best defense against injuries—and penalties.

Takeaways

For further reading, look into:

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