What are the laws surrounding hazardous working conditions?
Working conditions in California must comply with state and federal guidelines in order to keep workers safe from hazardous working conditions. Under the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973, employers are legally bound to provide their workers with a safe and healthy working environment, free from risks of injury or illness. The primary law that governs worker safety in California is the California General Safety Orders, which requires employers to provide properly maintained machinery and other equipment, ensure all hazardous materials are properly labeled, and provide workers with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA, is responsible for enforcing the state’s safety and health regulations. Cal/OSHA has the authority to inspect workplaces and issue citations, fines, and other penalties if safety hazards are found. Common hazards in the workplace include insufficient ventilation, exposure to hazardous chemicals or other materials, or an inadequate number of exits. Employers must also comply with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which states that all employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employers must also provide safety training to their employees as well as provide safety equipment and measures to adequately protect them from hazardous working conditions. Ultimately, the laws in California are meant to ensure that workers are given a safe and healthy environment in which to work. It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that the workplace is free from any hazardous conditions, and if violations are found, they must be corrected immediately.
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