CA Senate Proposal Prioritizes Workplace Safety at Pharmaceutical Facilities
SACRAMENTO, CA – California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) has introduced Senate Bill 1185 (SB 1185) extending Skilled and Trained Workforce (STW) requirements and standards to the construction and maintenance of pharmaceutical facilities. SB 1185 was approved by the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee.
Pharmaceutical facilities present risks comparable to, and in some cases greater than, other regulated high-hazard sites including sterility and contamination control, biohazard exposure, secure handling of controlled substances, and continuous operations critical to patient care.
“Protecting public health starts with ensuring pharmaceutical facilities meet the highest standards of safety and reliability. SB 1185 builds on California’s proven approach by requiring a skilled and trained workforce at pharmaceutical facilities—just as we already do in other high-risk industries,” said Senator Dave Cortese.
“From preventing contamination to safeguarding sensitive materials and maintaining secure supply chains, the stakes in these facilities are simply too high to cut corners. This bill helps ensure that every worker on-site has the training and expertise necessary to get the job done safely and correctly,” Cortese concluded.
This bill requires pharmaceutical facilities to use skilled and trained workers, applying long-standing California policy already in place for other high-risk, sensitive facilities.
By requiring owners, operators, and developers of pharmaceutical facilities to use a STW for all on-site construction, alteration, demolition, repair and maintenance work, California can reduce unnecessary contamination and safety risks, protect patients and workers, and support emergency preparedness.
Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov
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