WCAB Issues En Banc Order Regarding Rules, Office Closure During COVID-19 Emergency

The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) issued the following en banc order today:

Pursuant to Governor Gavin Newsom's March 4, 2020 state of emergency in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) Rule 10370, the Appeals Board is temporarily suspending specific WCAB Rules of Practice and Procedure contained in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations. This includes Rules regarding dismissals for failure to appear, the timeframe for reports from WCJs and arbitrators, required signatures and witnesses for Compromise and Release agreements, and service by the WCAB by mail and consent for electronic service. All filing deadlines are extended per the DWC's March 16, 2020 Newsline that all district offices are closed for filing from March 17 through April 3.

As of March 19, 2020, the WCAB’s office in San Francisco will be closed. WCAB members and staff will be working remotely during the closure. All practitioners are encouraged to regularly check the WCAB and DWC websites for updates about office closures and filing deadlines.

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Office Name	Topic	Phone Numbers
Cal/OSHA	Workplace Safety and Health	833-579-0927
Labor Commissioner's Office	Wages, breaks, retaliation and labor laws	833-526-4636
Division of Workers' Compensation	Benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses	1-800-736-7401
Office of the Director	Any other topic related to the Department of Industrial Relations	844-522-6734