Keeping Workplaces Safe and CA Employers in Compliance
California employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. This is no easy task, especially with the myriad of safety regulations issued by Cal/OSHA and other regulatory agencies.
CDF works with employers to be proactive in their workplace safety programs and to ensure compliance with applicable safety and health laws. Additionally, when accidents or injuries occur, it is vital to take immediate steps to evaluate and assess the workplace conditions prior to any inspection by Cal/OSHA or other government agencies. CDF works closely with employers to provide real-time, “boots on the ground” legal support during these high-stress times that follow a major accident and/or injury in the workplace.
How CDF Can Help Protect Your Company
We work with employers to put the company in the best position possible when defending against OSHA enforcement, whether that be during a routine audit inspection, in response to a complaint, or after a serious workplace accident.
CDF attorneys have extensive experience in workplace safety law and have successfully defended companies cited by OSHA and Cal/OSHA for major safety infractions after serious injuries and/or fatality accidents.
CDF attorneys provide assistance in the following areas:
- Defend employers during all stages of OSHA and Cal/OSHA litigation.
- Provide hands-on assistance with inspections and investigations conducted by Cal/OSHA or Federal OSHA.
- Provide guidance on Cal/OSHA and Federal OSHA regulations.
- Conduct compliance assessments and audits for workplace safety and health to identify areas for improvement.
- Provide guidance on responding to contagious infectious diseases and workplace safety, including COVID-19 compliance.
- Prepare and review workplace safety programs, standard operating procedures, and employee handbooks (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Programs).
Workplace Safety Investigations and Litigation
When investigations are initiated or litigation is filed, our attorneys respond in a strategic and effective manner. The goal is to position clients ahead of the claim, either by pursuing an ardent defense, or a swift resolution with minimal liability and exposure.
Our litigators handle many different types of matters related to workplace safety and health. We have battled the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health before the Cal/OSHA Appeals Board and we regularly represent clients before the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board when claims are brought for Serious and Willful Injury or Workers’ Compensation Discrimination under section 132a of the California Labor Code.
Our most important goal is to help clients avoid unnecessary risks to employee safety and health, and when accidents or injuries do occur, we work hard to make sure our clients understand the entire OSHA enforcement process, how best to mitigate any potential exposure, and provide the best defense when appealing citations. Of equal importance is creating a sense of security and peace of mind for our clients, and the assurance that results from having the full protection of the law should their safety and health practices be challenged by government regulators or an injured employee.
For information on how CDF can help with your workplace safety and health questions, please contact the Chair of CDF’s Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group, Thomas Song via email at tsong@cdflaborlaw.com or phone at (949) 622-1661.
