Worker Safety

workerSafety What Is OSHA ?

The federal and state Occupational Safety and Health Acts (OSHA) protect workers, customers, the public, and the environment from workplace injury hazards such as tools, equipment, fires, excavations, toxic pollutants, and falls. CalOSHA standards (Code of Regulations – Title 8 – Safety Orders) also include worker protection from illness hazards such as noise, weather, and pathogens.

CalOSHA inspects workplaces in response to a report of an industrial accident, a complaint about an occupational safety and health hazard, or as part of an inspection program targeting industries which have a high rate of occupational hazards, fatalities, injuries or illnesses (e.g., framing contractors) and may issue citations and fines. An additional impact for safety and health violations may be an increase in premiums for Workers Compensation Insurance.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation is the nation’s oldest social insurance program.  In exchange for receiving medical treatment for on-the-job injuries or illnesses no matter whom is at fault, employees may not sue employers for injuries.  California employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance, even if they have only one employee.  Should employees be hurt or get sick because of work, employers are required to pay workers’ compensation benefits.  Workers’ compensation insurance provides six basic benefits: medical care, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, supplemental job displacement benefits or vocational rehabilitation and death benefits.

Check the Links below and your local jurisdiction’s website for additional information.

Links

US Occupational Safety and Health Administration

California Division of Occupational Safety And Health

California Division of Workers Compensation