Starting July 1, 2025, California’s SB 1350 brings household domestic workers—such as cleaners, cooks, childcare providers, gardeners, and handymen—under the protection of Cal/OSHA’s workplace safety rules. While casual or infrequent help (under five hours per week for private homeowners) is exempt, anyone operating as a business, or hiring domestic workers on a more regular basis, must now follow occupational safety requirements.
Compliance involves several key responsibilities. First, employers must develop and maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), which outlines how to identify hazards, train workers, investigate incidents, and communicate safety protocols. Cal/OSHA offers an online tool to help create a compliant IIPP.
Second, employers must provide clear, accessible safety training in a language the worker understands. This includes instruction on using tools and chemicals safely, preventing injuries, and protecting against environmental hazards such as heat or chemical exposure. Employers must also supply appropriate personal protective equipment—like gloves or masks—and ensure workers have safe tools and equipment suited to their tasks. If hazardous substances are used, employers must maintain Safety Data Sheets and train workers on how to read them and handle materials safely.
Even private individuals can fall under these rules. If you hire a domestic worker for more than five hours per week, you may be subject to Cal/OSHA oversight. Tracking hours and understanding the nature of the work is crucial. Failing to comply could result in fines, liability for injuries, or lawsuits. Employers should act now to review their worker relationships, establish safety procedures, and ensure they meet the new standards.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can offer any guidance in this regard.