Domestic workers employed by companies in California are now covered by state workplace safety and health laws under a new law that took effect today.
Previously workplace safety and health laws did not cover individuals performing household domestic work. Starting July 1, these laws include workers like housecleaners, caregivers and gardeners. This includes requirements for safe tools and equipment, hazard training and protections against unsafe working conditions.
Employers must provide a safe workplace, which includes:
- Establishing, implementing, and maintaining an effective injury and illness prevention program.
- Inspecting workplaces to identify, evaluate and correct hazards that can hurt workers.
- Ensuring employees have, use, and properly maintain safe tools and equipment.
- Providing and paying for personal protective equipment when mandated by law.
- Reporting serious workplace injuries or fatalities immediately to Cal/OSHA.
In most cases, individual homeowners or renters who directly hire workers to perform typical household tasks, such as housecleaning, cooking, caregiving, or routine gardening, are not considered employers under the law and may be excluded from these requirements, according to CAL/OSHA.
Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation
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