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San Diego adopts ordinance requiring basic OSHA and ETCP training for live‑event workers
Summary
The City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance requiring vendors at city‑owned facilities and parks to certify that workers performing complex live‑event rigging and power work have completed OSHA 10 (workers), OSHA 30 (supervisors) and ETCP training for relevant trades. Union advocates and industry trainers testified in favor.
The San Diego City Council on Feb. 25 adopted a new ordinance requiring safety training for workers involved in complex live events at city facilities and parks.
Council Member Campillo, sponsor of the measure, presented the ordinance following a request from the Environmental Justice, Disability and Neighborhoods committee to establish minimum safety standards modeled on state legislation (AB 1775). Staff described the scope: the ordinance applies to complex live events at city facilities (including Petco Park, the San Diego Convention Center, Pechanga Arena and Civic Theatre) and to city parks when events involve non‑permanent rigging or large portable power distribution.
Under the ordinance, live‑event vendors must certify that employees performing covered work have completed the OSHA 10‑hour course relevant to their occupation; supervisors must have OSHA 30 training and ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) certification for the applicable trade. Compliance will be recorded in permit applications or contract certifications for covered events. The ordinance includes a July 1 effective date to allow outreach and education for vendors.
Union representatives from IATSE Local 122 and other industry trainers urged adoption. Greg, president of Local 122, said the measure establishes “the bare minimum safety standards in the live entertainment industry.” Nathan Herrenstein, an ETCP‑certified trainer, described the training’s practical effect of changing how workers approach rigging and electrical safety.
Council voted 9–0 to adopt the ordinance. Councilmembers and event planners asked staff to clarify how the definition of “complex live event” would be applied to festivals and smaller stages; staff said the standard targets exposure to overhead loads and large power distribution systems and is not intended to capture simple volunteer‑run events.
