Cal/OSHA Bolsters Staff to Investigate the Most Egregious Violations, Referring them for Criminal Prosecution

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Cal/OSHA is strengthening its efforts to increase workplace safety by ramping up recruitment and hiring more investigator staff for its Bureau of Investigations. This important unit is responsible for investigations related to the most serious workplace injuries, including death and makes recommendations for criminal prosecutions.  
 
Oakland—Today the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) announced that it has increased it staffing for its Bureau of Investigations (BOI) unit. Since July, a total of nine positions have been filled for offices throughout the state. This includes a new Chief Investigator and eight investigative staff. Special Investigators are now co-located with enforcement offices in Redding, Sacramento, Oakland, Modesto, Fresno, Bakersfield and San Diego. Along with this round of hires, BOI is also in the process of recruiting a Supervising Special Investigator for Northern California and an additional investigator in either Santa Barbara or Riverside.  

“The Bureau of Investigations has a separate but important role focusing on the criminal responsibility of employers in accident-related deaths and life altering injuries,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee. “Having more resources at BOI will help Cal/OSHA in its mission and bring attention to the importance of workplace safety and health.” 

WHY IT MATTERS: Previously, the BOI unit operated statewide with just a fraction of its current staffing. This latest announcement will allow BOI to tackle more cases and ensure that the most negligent of employers are held accountable.  

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is a division with the Department of Industrial Relations that helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or want assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424. 

Workers who have questions about their rights or have questions about workplace protections can call Cal/OSHA’s Bilingual Call Center at 833-579-0927 to speak with a Cal/OSHA representative. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Information and other resources are posted on Cal/OSHA’s website. 

Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161

Employers with Questions on Requirements May Contact: InfoCons@dir.ca.gov or call your local Cal/OSHA Consultation Office 

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency