Workplace Safety
Every person working in construction deserves a safe workplace. Many construction industry employers in California are national leaders in prioritizing worker safety. Understanding employee safety rights helps workers, managers and employers to recognize dangerous conditions, prevent injury and know how to report injury or death should they unfortunately occur.
The CA Department of Industrial Relations, including Cal/OSHA, strives to educate both employers and employees about workplace safety including assisting the construction industry with specialized resources and even assistance.
When necessary, anyone has the right to file a complaint about workplace safety and health hazards with Cal/OSHA, even if the complainant is not an employee in that workplace. All complaints to Cal/OSHA are kept confidential.
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Fall Protection and Scaffolding
- Heat Illness Protection
- Hazard Communication (Chemical Safety)
- Emergency Response and First Aid
- Bathroom and Sanitation Facilities
- Workplace Violence Prevention
- Reporting Unsafe Conditions
- Workers Compensation for Injuries
- Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Construction employers must provide required safety equipment at no cost to workers. This includes hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, fall protection equipment, and other PPE specific to job tasks. PPE must fit properly - employers cannot simply provide "one size fits all" equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment Requirements
OSHA Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment
Department of Labor Rule on Proper Fit Requirements
Center for Construction Research and Training - Provides a list of companies who make PPE exclusively for women
Fall Protection and Scaffolding
Construction workers have the right to proper fall protection. Employers must provide guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems, or scaffolding to protect workers from falls. All fall protection equipment must fit properly and be inspected regularly. Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work at heights if proper fall protection is not provided.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems Requirements
Scaffold Requirements
Cal/OSHA Fall Protection in Construction Fact Sheet
Heat Illness Protection
California has rules that protect both indoor and outdoor workers from heat illness.
Hazard Communication (Chemical Safety)
Workers have the right to know about hazardous chemicals in the workplace. For example, employers must provide safety data sheets, label containers, and train workers on chemical hazards. Employees should receive training before working with any hazardous materials.
Hazardous Substances and Processes Requirements
Emergency Response and First Aid
Construction sites must have emergency action plans and first aid supplies. Employers must train workers in emergency procedures and ensure someone trained in first aid is available during work hours. Workers have the right to timely emergency medical care if injured on the job.
Emergency Medical Services and Trained to Render First Aid
Bathroom and Sanitation Facilities
Construction sites must provide adequate bathroom facilities and hand-washing stations. Employers cannot require you to travel unreasonable distances to use facilities, and facilities must be kept clean and stocked with supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions on Toilet Facilities
Sanitary Facilities Regulations
Toilets at Construction Jobsites
Workplace Violence Prevention
California requires employers to establish workplace violence prevention plans to protect workers from threats, harassment, and physical violence on the job. Cal/OSHA has resources to help employers in development of those plans. Construction sites must assess violence risks and implement safety measures. All employees, including management, have the right to a workplace free from violence and intimidation.
Workplace Violence Prevention Regulations
Fact Sheet For Workers
Fact Sheet For Employers
Reporting Unsafe Conditions
Workers have the right to report safety hazards to Cal/OSHA without fear of retaliation. Cal/OSHA investigates workplace safety complaints and can issue citations for violations. All complaints to Cal/OSHA will be kept confidential to the maximum extent possible.
File a Complaint with Cal/OSHA
Workers’ Compensation for Injuries
Workers injured on the job have the right to workers' compensation benefits regardless of immigration status. This covers medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation services. Employers must provide claim forms in a timely manner, provide medical care within one business day and state law prohibits retaliation against an employee for filing a claim.
Workers’ Compensation Information
Injured Worker Information
Right to Refuse Work
All workers in California have the right to refuse work that the individual reasonably believes poses an imminent danger to their health or safety. The worker cannot be fired or punished for refusing to work in unsafe conditions, but the worker must follow proper procedures for work refusal.
Labor Code Section 6311
How to file a retaliation /discrimination complaint
September 2025