Eureka, CAA workplace safety agency in the Golden State has come under fire in recent months due to alleged violations of California labor laws.
In a hearing held late last month, Senator Mark DeSaulnier, head of the State Senate Labor Committee, accused the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) appeals board of showing favoritism toward employers at the expense of injured employees.
The Democratic senator went on to accuse the organization of ignoring a state law that imposes fines on employers who fail to report on-the-job injuries.
These accusations stem from a recent Los Angeles Times investigation that found that DOSH had dismissed or reduced numerous penalties levied by division inspectors, regardless of the circumstances that provoked the investigation.
Last year nearly 47 inspectors with the agency issued an official complaint blasting the organization for being too lenient on rights violations.
"It sends a message that all an employer has to do is appeal," Jeremy Smith of the California Labor Federation told InTheseTimes.com. "Penalties will get whittled down, and the employer can write that off as the cost of doing business."
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