The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR’s) Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF) has just announced a new initiative to begin inspecting publicly funded construction sites to ensure employer compliance with the following: (1) worker’s compensation requirements, (2) labor laws (including applicable prevailing wage laws, skilled and trained workforce requirements), (3) workplace health and safety requirements, (4) and apprenticeship standards.
The enforcement efforts will include teams from the DIR’s Divisions of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), and Labor Standards Enforcement (Labor Commissioner’s Office) in collaboration with other enforcement partners. The stated goal of the program is to crack down on the proliferation of California’s underground construction economy.
This initiative represents the first time that the DIR has actively audited construction sites to ensure compliance with California’s labor laws. The initiative serves as an important reminder that both owners and contractors must stay current with and comply with all required labor laws, including insurance and payment requirements. Particular attention should be given to ensure that all public works construction works are properly classified and that those projects having a skilled and trained workforce requirement are meeting those requirements.
For specific information and tips on how reduce potential liability for workplace labor violations on public works projects, please contact Principal Attorney Colin K. McCarthy, [email protected]
Pursu Agency