In California, unsafe working conditions are any situations in the workplace that pose a risk of harm to employees’ health, safety, or life.
Causes of Unsafe Working Conditions
Unsafe working conditions include any hazard that threatens employee health or safety, which may arise from:
- Faulty or unmaintained equipment
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes
- Inadequate ventilation or lighting
- Poorly maintained or cluttered workspaces
- Absence of required safety guards or barriers
- Missing or faulty personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Lack of proper training for dangerous tasks
- Violence or threats in the workplace
- Excessive heat without protections, especially outdoors
Under California law, employers must maintain a work environment free of recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious harm.
Examples of Unsafe Conditions
Common examples include:
- A construction site with no fall protection for roof workers.
- A warehouse with blocked emergency exits or no fire extinguishers.
- A factory that fails to provide gloves or goggles when handling hazardous materials.
- A restaurant with wet, unmarked floors and no slip-resistant shoes.
- An office with exposed wiring or faulty electrical systems.
- An agricultural job site where workers have no access to drinking water or shade.
These situations violate Cal/OSHA standards and may lead to inspections, fines, or legal claims.
Employee Rights to Safe Working Conditions
Employees in California have the right to:
- Report unsafe working conditions to Cal/OSHA
- Refuse work that poses an immediate danger to health or life
- Receive training on workplace hazards and safe practices
- Use personal protective equipment without retaliation
- Access records of workplace injuries or illnesses
If an employee believes a task would expose them to serious harm and there is no time to correct it through normal channels, they may legally refuse to perform that task under California Labor Code Section 6311.
Employer Responsibilities
California employers have a legal duty to provide a safe workplace and must take proactive steps to identify and eliminate hazards. They are required to comply with all applicable Cal/OSHA standards for their industry, implement and maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), and provide adequate safety training and personal protective equipment to employees. Employers must also maintain accurate records of workplace injuries and illnesses, report serious incidents to Cal/OSHA promptly, and fully cooperate during inspections or investigations.
How to Report Unsafe Conditions
Employees can file a confidential complaint with Cal/OSHA online, by phone, or by mail. If possible, document the unsafe condition with photos, witness names, and any written communication with supervisors. If the hazard is severe or life-threatening, Cal/OSHA may send an inspector without prior notice to the employer.
Protection Against Retaliation
California law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who report safety concerns or refuse unsafe work. Retaliation can include firing, demotion, pay cuts, or other negative actions. Employees who face retaliation may file complaints with the California Labor Commissioner or pursue legal claims for reinstatement and compensation. A Los Angeles workplace retaliation attorney can evaluate your situation, and help explain your options and the steps to take next to ensure your rights are protected. Contact our employment attorneys today.