Workplace Safety and Health

Employers must provide a safe and healthy workplace that protects employees from hazards, injuries, and illnesses. Federal and state laws set safety standards, and employers have duties to train, prevent risks, and maintain safe conditions.

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  • Common Workplace Saftey Issues
    • Unsafe machinery or equipment  (e.g., missing guards, malfunctioning equipment)
    • Exposure to harmful chemicals or substances  (e.g., asbestos, solvents, mold)
    • Ergonomic hazards causing repetitive stress injuries
    • Unsafe construction sites or fall hazards  (e.g., wet floors, unstable ladders)
    • Workplace violence or harassment
    • Lack of proper safety training or protective gear  (e.g., gloves, masks, safety glasses)
    • Failure to provide safety training or emergency procedures

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  • Top Laws to Know Related to Workplace Safety and Health

    California Occupational Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA) (California Labor Code, Division 5, §§ 6300–6719)

    • Cal/OSHA regulates workplace safety standards specific to California workplaces and employers.
    • It requires employers to maintain safe and healthful working conditions by following published safety standards and regulations. (Labor Code § 6400).
    • Employers must implement and maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that identifies and corrects workplace hazards. (Labor Code § 6401.7).
    • Employers must provide workers with appropriate safety training in a language they understand, supply necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), and keep injury and illness records.
    • Cal/OSHA has the authority to inspect workplaces, issue citations, and enforce penalties for violations. (Labor Code §§ 6313–6325)
    • Applies to nearly all California employers and employees, including public sector workers.
    • Learn more at Cal/OSHA Overview. 

    Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) (29 U.S.C. §§ 651–678)

    • OSHA sets national safety and health regulations enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor.
    • The act covers most private sector employers and their workers in all 50 states, as well as certain federal workers.
    • Employers must comply with OSHA standards, which cover a wide range of hazards, including machinery, chemical exposure, fall protection, and more. (29 U.S.C. § 654)
    • OSHA requires employers to keep workplace injury and illness records, report severe injuries promptly, and post required safety notices.
    • The law also protects workers’ rights to report unsafe conditions without retaliation. (29 U.S.C. § 660(c))
    • OSHA conducts workplace inspections and may issue fines for violations. (29 U.S.C. § 666)
    • Learn more at: Federal OSHA

    Whistleblower Protections Act (Labor Code § 6310; Gov. Code § 8547; 29 U.S.C. § 660(c))

    • Both California and federal laws protect employees who report workplace safety violations or hazards from retaliation such as firing, demotion, or harassment.
    • Employees may report safety concerns or violations to regulatory agencies confidentially or anonymously without fear of adverse employment action. (Labor Code § 6310 and 29 U.S.C. § 660(c))
    • These protections encourage workers to speak up about unsafe conditions and help maintain a culture of workplace safety. 
    • Protections to public employees under the California Whistleblower Protection Act also exist and can be found here: FAQ
    • Learn more at CA OSHA

Workers: Your Rights

  • The right to a safe workplace free from recognized hazards
  • The right to receive safety training and clear information about workplace hazards in a language you understand
  • The right to request safety inspections and report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation
  • The right to use personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer at no cost
  • The right to file complaints with Cal/OSHA if unsafe conditions exist
  • The right to refuse dangerous work if there is an imminent risk to your health or safety

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  • File a Workplace Saftey and Health Complaint

    You are able to file a complaint at the following agencies:

    Cal OSHA handles reports of workplace safety or health hazards in the state:

    The Federal OSHA offices cover only federal agencies, private sector employers on Native American lands, maritime activities on the navigable waterways of the United States, private contractors working on federal jurisdiction, and employers that require federal security clearances.

    •  Phone: 1-800-321-6742
    • Address: 7575 Metropolitan Dr., Room 207, San Diego, CA 92108
    • File Online: https://www.osha.gov/contactus

    For all whistleblower-related issues, contact:

    • Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)
      Retaliation Complaint Investigation Unit
    •  2 MacArthur Place, Suite 800 Santa Ana, California 92707
    • Phone: (714) 558-4913

     

Employers: Responsibilities, Best Practices, and Resources

  • Employers must provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave, maintain health benefits during leave, and reinstate employees to the same or equivalent position, while ensuring no interference or retaliation.
  • Employers should clearly communicate leave options, document policies in handbooks, track leave consistently, and train managers to handle requests respectfully and fairly.

 

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  • Required by Law
    • Maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards
    • Develop and implement a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) tailored to workplace risks
    • Provide ongoing safety training tailored to job-specific hazards in a language employees understand
    • Provide PPE (gloves, masks, goggles, etc.) at no cost to employees
    • Keep injury and illness records (OSHA 300 logs) and promptly report serious injuries and fatalities to regulators
    • Post required OSHA notices and safety information where employees can easily view them
    • Required Posters:
  • Best Practices
    • Develop and implement a written safety program or plan tailored to your industry
    • Engage employees in safety committees or meetings
    • Provide refresher safety training and safety drills regularly
    • Establish transparent incident reporting and investigation procedures
    • Partner with Cal/OSHA Consultation Services for help with compliance and training: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/consultation.html
  • Employer Resources
    • San Diego County OLSE has created Workplace posters for you to use for free: Required Posters
    • The Civil Rights Department also has required posters available for you to use: Required Posters
    • Cal/OSHA Employer Page for more resources
    • Federal OSHA Employer Page for more resources 

    On-Site Consultation Program for Businesses

    OSHA offices offer an On-Site Consultation Program (https://www.osha.gov/consultation) that provides free and confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-site consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. At an employer's request, a consultant from a state agency or university will visit a workplace to help identify hazards and make recommendations on possible solutions, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws may not apply to all employment situations or jurisdictions. For guidance on your specific case, consult an attorney, labor rights organization, or government agency..