Overview

• The state auditor’s July review found Cal/OSHA operated with a 32% vacancy rate, leaving 289 enforcement positions unfilled.
• Last year, the agency inspected just 17% of valid complaints in person and sometimes skipped on-site visits even after serious worker injuries.
• Auditors flagged procedural weaknesses, noting letter-based investigations, unreviewed injury prevention plans and undocumented fine reductions.
• Cal/OSHA has since reduced its vacancy rate to 12% and opened new enforcement offices in Fresno, Santa Barbara and Riverside counties.
• The agency also created an agricultural enforcement unit and is implementing a new electronic case management system to improve investigations.