Woodland Hills OSHA Lawyers

Ensuring OSHA Compliance for California Businesses

At the The Law Office of Payab & Associates, we have more than 20 years of combined experience representing the rights and interests of employees who have been wronged by their employers. This experience in the employment law arena also means that we are well-versed in what employers can do to avoid future legal entanglements, protect their reputations, and comply with both federal and state labor laws. One of the most important of these laws is the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).

If you're a local business or corporation that has concerns about your compliance with OSHA or is trying to navigate an OSHA violation, then we invite you to contact our firm today. Our Woodland Hills OSHA lawyers are well-versed in these laws and how to comply with their standards across numerous industries.

Get the legal stewardship your business needs to navigate your OSHA issue. Call our office at (818) 918-5522 today.

A Brief History of OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Act was established in 1970. Congress created this organization to ensure worker safety and health. President Richard Nixon signed the organization into law, and it took effect on April 28, 1971. Before OSHA, there were no federal laws to protect all workers from workplace hazards. Work-related injuries and deaths were common.

OSHA began setting and enforcing standards to address these hazards. Early OSHA standards focused on construction, maritime, and general industry. They required safety gear, safety practices, and employee training. OSHA also started conducting inspections and issuing fines for violations. Since its creation, workplace fatalities have decreased significantly, and serious workplace injuries and illnesses have also declined.

OSHA continues to evolve and address emerging workplace dangers. The agency updates standards as necessary, addressing new threats such as ergonomic injuries, workplace violence, and airborne pathogens. Today, OSHA remains a central force for maintaining safe work environments for millions of Americans.

An Overview of OSHA Obligations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, sets standards to ensure safe working conditions. This federal agency requires employers to follow rules that reduce workplace hazards. OSHA mandates that employers offer training about health and safety, and they must keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses. OSHA also requires employers to provide workers with essential safety equipment.

Workers have rights under OSHA. They can ask for an OSHA inspection if they believe their workplace is unsafe, and OSHA keeps these requests confidential. After inspections, OSHA can issue fines for safety violations. Employers must also correct safety violations by the deadlines that OSHA sets. Workers can also report any retaliation for exercising their rights.

Companies must display an official OSHA poster. This poster outlines worker rights and employer responsibilities. Workers also have a right to be informed about any harmful substances they could encounter while working.

OSHA offers help for employers, too. It allows them to join voluntary programs to improve workplace safety. Cooperative programs also exist, including a mix of training and technical advice. 

Overall, OSHA helps employers create safer work environments, thus preventing workplace injuries and health problems.

Examples of OSHA Violations

OSHA violations occur when businesses fail to adhere to established safety standards. These violations can range from minor oversights to major infractions. 

Common examples include:

• A company fails to label hazardous chemicals correctly.
• A factory lacks adequate guardrails near high platforms.
• Employees operate forklifts without the required training.
• An electrician works on live circuits without proper gloves.
• Workers manage machinery without necessary safety switches.
• An employer neglects to provide hard hats in a construction zone.
• Healthcare providers do not have access to enough protective gear.
• A restaurant does not enforce slip-resistant footwear in the kitchen.
• An auto workshop ignores ventilation standards, exposing mechanics to fumes.
• A manufacturing plant overlooks the need for regular equipment maintenance.

When employers are guilty of safety violations, OSHA may step in. It can conduct inspections, and it often levies fines on employers in violation. These fines help correct the hazardous conditions, and they also encourage companies to prevent future breaches. Employers are responsible for remedying these violations swiftly to protect their workers from harm.