Reporting Unsafe Work Conditions: Your Right to Speak Up in California
No one should have to choose between their health and a paycheck. If your workplace feels unsafe—due to broken equipment, lack of sanitation, extreme temperatures, or even threats of violence—you have the right to report it.
California labor laws empower employees to demand safe working conditions—and protect them when they speak up.
What Counts as an Unsafe Work Condition?
Unsafe conditions may include:
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals or materials
- Faulty or dangerous machinery
- Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Overcrowding or poor ventilation
- No access to clean drinking water or restrooms
- Violations of COVID-19 safety protocols
- Workplace violence or threats
Under California’s Occupational Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA), employers are legally required to maintain a safe and healthful work environment.
Your Rights Under the Law
As a California employee, you have the right to:
- Report unsafe conditions to your employer or Cal/OSHA
- Refuse dangerous work that poses a real threat to your safety
- File a complaint anonymously
- Be protected from retaliation for speaking up
You can’t be fired, demoted, or disciplined for reporting a hazard in good faith—even if Cal/OSHA doesn’t find a violation.
How to Report an Unsafe Workplace
- Notify your supervisor in writing and keep a record.
- If the issue isn’t resolved, file a complaint with Cal/OSHA online or by phone.
- Document the hazard (photos, notes, coworker statements).
If your employer retaliates, you can file a retaliation complaint with the Labor Commissioner’s Office.
Safety Is Not Optional
Unsafe work environments put lives at risk. You have the right to refuse unsafe assignments, report violations, and demand corrective action. The law backs you—don’t let fear silence you.
