Assisting Clients Across California Since 1993

Suffered Injury Due To OSHA Safety Violations In California? We Can Help.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a critical agency that ensures workplace safety by enforcing standards and regulations. OSHA’s importance cannot be overstated, as it helps prevent workplace injuries and fatalities across various industries. Unfortunately, not all employers meet the safety standards that OSHA tries to enforce, resulting in injury to their employees. 

Since 1993, Walters & Zinn, Attorneys at Law has been dedicated to helping clients who have been hurt on the job in Folsom, Sacramento and throughout California. Our team of experienced lawyers helps employees like you with workers’ compensation claims related to OSHA safety violations. We are committed to guiding you through the legal process and securing the benefits you deserve. 

Unique California OSHA Regulations

California stands out with its unique OSHA regulations, often exceeding federal standards. These regulations address specific risks and ensure a safer working environment for state employees. They include: 

  • Heat illness prevention: California requires employers to take strict steps to prevent heat illness, especially for outdoor workers. These include providing fresh water and rest breaks in the shade and helping new or returning workers acclimate to the heat. 
  • Workplace violence prevention: Certain industries, such as health care, must have detailed plans to prevent workplace violence. 
  • Ergonomics: California has specific rules to prevent injuries from repetitive motions, primarily in office work and hospitality industries. 
  • Air quality and toxic substances: Employers must adhere to strict standards for air quality and handling poisonous substances. 

These unique rules address specific risks and ensure a safer working environment for California employees. Violations of OSHA safety regulations lead to “serious and willful misconduct.”

California Workers’ Compensation Laws

California’s workers’ compensation system provides several benefits to injured workers, including: 

  • Medical care: Coverage for medical treatment related to injury. 
  • Temporary disability benefits: Compensation for lost income during recovery. 
  • Permanent disability benefits: Compensation for permanent disabilities. 
  • Supplemental job displacement benefits: Retraining or skill enhancement vouchers if you cannot return to your former job. 
  • Death benefits: Payments to dependents if the injury results in death. 

These benefits support injured workers and their families during recovery. 

Serious And Willful Misconduct

Serious and willful misconduct happens when an employer intentionally ignores safety, causing injury or death. This includes disregarding dangers, not using safety measures or breaking safety rules. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help prove serious and willful misconduct by getting proof, such as safety records and witness statements, to show that the employer knew about the dangers but did nothing.  

All states have different rules for serious and willful misconduct claims. California, for example, has special rules under its Labor Code that allow for additional compensation when there is proof of misconduct. Talking to an experienced lawyer can help you understand where your case stands.

Contact Us Today

Act now if an OSHA safety violation has harmed you or a loved one. Contact Walters & Zinn, Attorneys at Law through email or call us at 916-800-1414 to arrange a free consultation with one of our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers. Let us help you get the compensation you need to support your recovery and family.