Cal/OSHA is the agency in charge of making sure that workplaces are safe for all workers. Cal/OSHA will investigate
if workers file complaints of serious unsafe conditions.
Take action if you are in danger of heat illness:
- Locate the Cal/OSHA office
nearest your worksite by entering your zip code on
the Cal/OSHA website
or by calling 1-866-924-9757
- Call, fax a complaint and/or go in person to your local Cal/OSHA office.
Be prepared to provide the following information:
- The name of your employer or company and the kind of work you are doing.
- The job location which Cal/OSHA needs to find your worksite.
- Describe the problem with as many details as possible about how the heat affects you and other workers. You may also report any other safety or health issue.
- The number of workers at the site and what languages they speak.
- The hours of work and how long work will continue at that location, whether it is another day, week or month.
- Your name if you wish to provide it. Cal/OSHA will not tell your employer who called, and you are also not required
to provide your name if you do not want to. If you provide your contact information, the results of any inspections will be mailed to you.
What Will Cal/OSHA Do?
Cal/OSHA inspectors will come to a worksite if they believe the employer is violating worker health and safety standards
or workers are in danger of heat illness or death. They will ask the employer and workers questions to find out more about
the hazards. You have a right to talk with the inspector in private. Get the inspector's phone number if you prefer to talk
when you are not at work.
- Tell the inspector about any problems and any changes that are needed to protect your health –
you are the expert about conditions at your job. If the inspector doesn't speak your language, he or she will
request an interpreter.
- If it is determined that the employer has violated the heat standard or another safety standard, Cal/OSHA will
give a citation and fine to the employer. The employer must fix the problem by a specific date.
- Call Cal/OSHA after the inspection so you know what your employer must do to fix the problems. If you do not see any
changes, call again and ask to speak with the District Manager.