Labor Enforcement Task Force Cites Three Companies in San Diego County for Workplace Hazards, Labor Law Violations

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• USA - español

SAN DIEGO, March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cal/OSHA inspectors on the Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF) have ordered three cabinet-making companies in San Diego County to stop using unguarded saws that put employees at risk for serious injury, including amputation and lacerations. Task force inspectors with the Labor Commissioner's Office also issued work stop orders to two of the businesses that didn't have workers' compensation insurance.  

"Our focus is to protect workers and ensure that companies comply with labor and safety laws," said LETF Chief Dominic Forrest. "We issue stop orders when we find hazards that require immediate action to prevent serious injury. Employers are further prohibited from continuing operations until they have workers' compensation insurance coverage for all of their employees."

Cal/OSHA inspectors issued the safety stop orders on the unguarded table saws to M. Stanton Company and E&A Cabinets, both of San Ysidro, and Custom Carpentry Solutions of Chula Vista on February 17 and 18. The employers must correct the hazardous conditions in order to put the machinery back into operation. The businesses may be cited for additional workplace safety violations once Cal/OSHA's investigations are complete.

Task force inspectors with the Labor Commissioner's Office found that all three companies were in violation of other labor laws, including the failure to provide itemized wage statements and licensing violations.  The labor law penalties levied total $21,392 for E&A Cabinets, $31,928 for Custom Carpentry Solutions and $105,000 for M. Stanton Company.  E&A Cabinets and Custom Carpentry Solutions were ordered to stop all work until they secure workers' compensation insurance.

The task force is a coalition of California State and local enforcement agencies formed in 2012 to combat the underground economy. LETF teams conduct monthly inspections targeting employers in high-risk industries, and operate under the direction of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). LETF member partners include DIR divisions Cal/OSHA and the Labor Commissioner's Office, officially known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Contractors State License Board, the Employment Development Department, the California Department of Insurance, the Bureau of Automotive Repair, Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Board of Equalization.

LETF is committed to outreach and education and has produced information for workers and employers to ensure they know their rights and responsibilities.  

Leads on underground employers and reports of labor law violations can be submitted online through LETF's Online Referral Form, by emailing the information to [email protected], or by calling LETF toll-free at 1-855-297-5322.

DIR protects and improves the health, safety and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws.

DIR's Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), also known as the Labor Commissioner's Office, enforces prevailing wage rates and apprenticeship standards in public works projects, inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, investigates retaliation complaints, issues licenses and registrations for businesses and educates the public on labor laws.

DIR's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers and employee organizations to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR's Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers' Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR's press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR's Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations; The Labor Enforcement Task Force

Related Links

http://www.dir.ca.gov