1. Department of Industrial Relations

Cleanup and Rebuilding after Wildfires

The work to cleanup and rebuild after wildfires must be done in compliance with California's labor laws and workplace safety and health regulations.

California's robust worker protections apply to every workplace in the state.

These protections include:

  • Cal/OSHA workplace safety and health standards requiring employers to identify hazards, train workers on how to prevent unsafe working conditions, provide proper personal protective equipment and injury/illness prevention planning.
  • Labor laws enforced by the Labor Commissioner's Office include minimum wage, overtime, prevailing wage on public works projects, meal and rest breaks, sick leave, waiting time penalties and unfair immigration related practices.
  • Workers' compensation for work related injuries and illnesses including paid medical treatment and benefits for temporary or permanent disabilities.

Wildfire Cleanup Frequently Asked Questions

Worker Safety Requirements for Wildfire Cleanup

Checklist Worker Safety at Cleanup Sites

Workplace Safety & Health 

Labor Laws

Tree Work Safety

Workers' Compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses

Public Works contractors and awarding bodies

  Workplace Safey and Labor Law Videos

Wildfire cleanup safety message: from Cal/OSHA and the Labor Commissioner's Office

Employers: have a plan to prevent accidents during wildfire cleanup

Workers: know how to stay safe during wildfire cleanup

Tree Work Safety

Employers: follow these labor laws for wildfire cleanup and rebuilding

Workers: Know your labor rights for wildfire cleanup and rebuilding

Trabajadores: Conozcan sus derechos para la limpieza de incendios

Cal/OSHA

Workplace Safety and Health

  • General information:
    833-579-0927

Division of Workers’ Compensation

Work-related injury and illnesses

  • General information:
    1-800-736-7401

Labor Commissioner’s Office

Wages, breaks, retaliation

April 2025