The California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973 requires a state, county, or local fire or police agency that is called to an accident involving an employee covered by the act in which a serious injury or illness, or death occurs to immediately notify the nearest office of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health by telephone. Existing law authorizes the assessment of a civil penalty against an employer or physician if a pattern or practice of violations or a willful violation of these or other specified provisions is found, as specified.
This bill would revise that immediate notification requirement to apply to accidents in which death or loss of limb occurs and would instead require a responding agency called to an accident in which a serious injury or illness, other than death or loss of limb, occurs, to notify the nearest
office of the division by telephone or electronic means within 24 hours. If a responding agency fails to notify the division of an accident, the bill would require the division to allow the agency to file an amended notification and would prohibit the citing or assessment of fines against an agency that files an amended notification, as specified.