Does OSHA apply to government employers?

It depends on the jurisdiction. In the 22 states with OSHA-approved State Plans, state and local government employers are covered. In federal OSHA states, private-sector employers are covered but state/local governments are not covered by federal OSHA (though they may be subject to other state safety requirements). Federal agencies are covered by OSHA under Executive Order 12196 and Section 19 of the OSH Act.

What drug testing is required for federal employees?

Executive Order 12564 requires federal agencies to establish drug-free workplace programs and test employees in "Testing Designated Positions" (TDPs) — positions involving national security, law enforcement, public health/safety, or duties requiring a high degree of public trust. Testing types include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and follow-up. SAMHSA guidelines govern federal workplace testing procedures.

What are workers' compensation presumption laws?

Presumption laws establish a rebuttable presumption that certain illnesses or injuries suffered by specific workers (typically first responders) are occupationally caused. This shifts the burden of proof from the employee to the employer/insurer. For example, a firefighter diagnosed with certain cancers may be presumed to have developed the condition due to occupational exposure. Many states have expanded these laws in recent years to cover additional conditions and worker categories.

Government Occupational Health Compliance in California (2026)

Government employers in California must coordinate the exams, regulations, and filings below to clear workers for duty and stay audit-ready.

State risk score: 9/10
Priority topics: 5
Required exams: 8
Last update: Jan 2026

The government compliance chain

Priority regulations for government in California

Federal government employers must comply with Executive Order 12564 (Drug-Free Federal Workplace), which mandates drug testing for employees in sensitive positions. Federal contractors may be subject to the Drug-Free Workplace Act requirements. State and local governments in State Plan states are covered by their state OSHA programs, while in federal OSHA states, public-sector employers may have different coverage. First responder compliance is a major area — law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel face medical surveillance, fitness-for-duty requirements, presumption laws for occupational illness, and DOT testing for those with CDLs. Workers' compensation for public-sector employees often operates under separate state systems with different benefit structures.

Required occupational health services

DOT Drug Test - 5 Panel
$45–$75
CA providers Cost by state
DOT Drug Test (10-Panel)
$60–$120
CA providers Cost by state
Non-DOT Drug Test (5-Panel)
$35–$75
CA providers Cost by state
HAZWOPER Physical Examination
CA providers
Hazmat Physical Examination
$125–$250
CA providers Cost by state
Respirator Fit Testing
$50–$150
CA providers Cost by state
Preventive Health Examination
$150–$400
CA providers Cost by state
Audiogram (Hearing Test)
$35–$75
CA providers Cost by state

Government compliance checklist

Comply with Executive Order 12564 drug-free workplace requirements for sensitive positions
Maintain OSHA compliance under applicable State Plan or federal OSHA coverage
Implement medical surveillance and fitness-for-duty programs for first responders
Track workers' compensation presumption laws for law enforcement, fire, and EMS
Ensure DOT testing compliance for CDL holders (snowplow operators, vehicle fleet drivers)
Maintain drug testing programs consistent with civil service protections and union agreements
Document all accommodations and interactive processes under ADA and state equivalents

Governing authorities

Recent regulatory updates in California

AB 2188: Pre-Employment Drug Testing Restrictions for Cannabis
2024-01-01
Employers cannot discriminate based on off-duty cannabis use or non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites detected in pre-employment drug tests. Exceptions apply for federal contractors, positions requiring federal security clearance, and building/construction trades.
AB 1220: Mandatory Annual Behavioral Health Screening for Law Enforcement Officers
2025-09-15
California AB 1220 requires all law enforcement agencies to provide annual behavioral health wellness checks for sworn officers beginning January 2026. Screenings must be conducted by licensed psychologists with public safety experience and results remain confidential under peer support privilege statutes. Agencies must establish written wellness programs meeting POST guidelines.

View all California compliance activity →

Government compliance FAQ

Does OSHA apply to government employers?: It depends on the jurisdiction. In the 22 states with OSHA-approved State Plans, state and local government employers are covered. In federal OSHA states, private-sector employers are covered but state/local governments are not covered by federal OSHA (though they may be subject to other state safety requirements). Federal agencies are covered by OSHA under Executive Order 12196 and Section 19 of the OSH Act.
What drug testing is required for federal employees?: Executive Order 12564 requires federal agencies to establish drug-free workplace programs and test employees in "Testing Designated Positions" (TDPs) — positions involving national security, law enforcement, public health/safety, or duties requiring a high degree of public trust. Testing types include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and follow-up. SAMHSA guidelines govern federal workplace testing procedures.
What are workers' compensation presumption laws?: Presumption laws establish a rebuttable presumption that certain illnesses or injuries suffered by specific workers (typically first responders) are occupationally caused. This shifts the burden of proof from the employee to the employer/insurer. For example, a firefighter diagnosed with certain cancers may be presumed to have developed the condition due to occupational exposure. Many states have expanded these laws in recent years to cover additional conditions and worker categories.

Clear your California government workforce faster

BlueHive matches every required exam to the nearest available provider, schedules the full compliance sequence, and delivers results to one dashboard.

Match providers for my team Government compliance guide