Remote Workers - Does CAL OSHA Apply?
Hi Safety Folks!
I'm not familiar with how various state OSHA programs apply to companies that have remote workers. My business is based out of Ohio, but we now have 2 remote workers in California. What do we need to be aware of as far as injury reporting and investigation? How does your company work to create inclusive programs that take into account remote workers?
Comments (7)
Interesting question! I'm not even sure - maybe run it by your insurance company?
Whatever state you work in is the jurisdiction that would apply, regardless of where your corporate office is located. If you are working in California, then you would need to follow Cal/OSHA's standards. Cal/OSHA does have a very specific IIPP (Injury and Illness Prevention Program - link at the bottom) that actually covers ergonomics, too. As far as remote workers, you will need to evaluate each task to determine if it's in the best interest of the worker's health and safety. Typically, I try to avoid any working at heights if using a PFAS, operating heavy equipment (e.g., cranes, forklifts, scissor lifts, aerial lifts), hot work (since you won't have a fire watch)
https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3203.html
California requires that any injured worker receive a DWC-1 form within 24 hours of reporting a workplace injury.
California has an ergonomics standard. Here is a link.
https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5110.html
In my company we only allow remote work in states that we already operate in so our HR and Safety team know the rules already.
One other thing unrelated to safety is that California has a minimum wage for salaried exempt employees. The 2022 minimum is $62,400.