New audit exposes CAL/OSHA's missed inspections endangering workers

California's Workplace Safety Agency Fails to Meet Standards

A recent state audit has revealed serious shortcomings in the enforcement of workplace safety regulations by California’s primary regulatory body, CAL/OSHA. The findings highlight a troubling lack of action when it comes to protecting workers, particularly in high-risk industries such as agriculture. This revelation follows a 2024 hearing that brought attention to the conditions faced by farmworkers across the state.

Assemblymember Liz Ortega, a Democrat representing San Leandro, played a key role in initiating the audit. She expressed deep concern after hearing firsthand accounts from workers and advocates during the hearing. “Some of the stories that came out were shocking, surprising, and disappointing,” she said. “I wanted answers, and this audit was the first step toward understanding what’s going wrong.”

The audit, conducted by the California State Auditor’s office, found that CAL/OSHA failed to conduct inspections for certain complaints and accidents. In some cases, there was clear evidence that an inspection could have prevented harm or saved lives. This lack of action raises serious questions about the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission of ensuring safe working conditions for all employees.

Key Findings of the Audit

The report outlines several critical issues that have been identified within CAL/OSHA’s operations. These include:

• Inadequate response to worker complaints: The audit found that the agency did not always investigate or respond to reports of unsafe conditions.
• Failure to inspect incidents: Some accidents and injury reports were not followed up with on-site inspections, which could have provided valuable insights into preventing future harm.
• Lack of transparency: There is a need for better documentation and communication regarding the agency’s actions and decisions.

These findings suggest that CAL/OSHA may not be operating at the level required to protect workers effectively. The audit also points to systemic issues that could be contributing to these gaps in enforcement.

Calls for Reform and Accountability

Assemblymember Ortega has been vocal about the need for reform. She emphasized that the audit is just the beginning of a larger effort to hold the agency accountable. “This isn’t just about finding fault—it’s about making sure that workers are protected and that the system works for them,” she said.

Her push for the audit was driven by a desire to ensure that no worker is left vulnerable due to bureaucratic neglect. The results of the audit have sparked discussions among lawmakers, labor advocates, and industry leaders about how to improve oversight and accountability within CAL/OSHA.

What Needs to Change

Experts and officials agree that significant changes are needed to strengthen workplace safety enforcement in California. Some proposed solutions include:

• Increasing funding and resources for CAL/OSHA to handle the growing number of complaints and inspections.
• Implementing stricter guidelines for when and how inspections should be conducted.
• Enhancing training for inspectors to ensure they are equipped to identify and address potential hazards.
• Improving data tracking and reporting to ensure transparency and accountability.

These steps could help rebuild trust in the agency and ensure that workers receive the protection they deserve.

The Broader Implications

The findings of the audit have broader implications for workplace safety in California and beyond. As one of the largest economies in the world, the state sets a precedent for labor standards. If CAL/OSHA fails to meet its responsibilities, it could have ripple effects on workers’ health, employer compliance, and public confidence in regulatory systems.

The audit serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and stakeholders to take immediate action. Without meaningful reforms, the risk of preventable injuries and deaths will continue to rise, particularly for those in high-risk industries like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.

As the debate over workplace safety continues, the focus remains on ensuring that every worker is treated with dignity and protected from harm. The audit is a crucial step in that process, but it is only the beginning of a long road toward real change.