Los Angeles Workplace Safety Lawyer
The California Department of Industrial Relations is tasked with establishing rules to protect employees from dangerous workplace conditions, but data indicates that the risk of injuries is still alarming. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 466,000 California workers who suffer medical conditions from work-related hazards every year. Though you have options to address workplace safety issues, you probably have concerns about the implications when seeking your rightful remedies.
Our team at Litigation, P.C., understands your fears and frustrations when your employer is not taking appropriate measures to ensure safety in the workplace. We are dedicated to assisting employees in your position with a range of legal options, so please contact our firm to discuss your situation with a Los Angeles workplace safety lawyer. Some general information may also be useful.
Application of California Workplace Safety Laws
The primary statutory source of workplace safety matters in the US is the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which provides that employees have a right to a hazard-free work environment. California has its own version of OSHA that includes the federal protections, along with more expansive rules and regulations regarding:
- Exposure to and handling toxic chemicals;
- Repetitive motion injuries;
- Child labor;
- Heat and noise exposure; and,
- Many others.
Cal/OSHA enforces employee rights through random inspections, but it also processes complaints directly raised by workers. Employees who file such complaints are protected from termination or other forms of retaliation for doing so.
Employer Requirements Regarding Workplace Safety
There are a massive number of regulations and duties imposed upon California employers, all of which are designed to promote a safe workplace. Some of the most important requirements include:
- Ensuring the workplace complies with safety regulations;
- Conducting inspections to identify and remedy any hazards;
- Training employees on proper use of tools and equipment;
- Training workers on protocols when an accident occurs;
- Reporting fatalities or injuries to Cal/OSHA; and,
- Offering employees an efficient process for reporting workplace injuries or work-related medical conditions.
Protecting Your Rights as an Employee
If you sustain injuries in a workplace accident or are diagnosed with an occupational disease, it is important to take quick action to preserve your rights. You should notify your employer, in writing, right away about the incident. In most cases, if you suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from working, you may seek benefits under the California workers’ compensation system.
Depending on your situation, you could be eligible to recover monetary damages. Our team at Litigation, P.C., can explain additional remedies if you stand in the position as a whistleblower or experience retaliation after reporting workplace safety violations.
Reach Out to a Los Angeles Workplace Safety Attorney
As you can see, there are multiple complications involved with the California laws that protect you from work-related hazards. For this reason, it is wise to trust our lawyer Litigation, P.C. for help if your on-the-job safety is in jeopardy. For a confidential consultation with an experienced Los Angeles workplace safety lawyer, contact Litigation, P.C., at 424-284-2401 or online to learn about your legal options. We routinely handle matters throughout SoCal.