California Workers Compensation

If you are working in California and you have a work-related injury or illness, your employer is required by law to pay for workers’ compensation benefits.

If you get hurt, what should you do? 

First, report it immediately to your supervisor.  If your injury or illness develops over time, report it as soon as you start noticing it.

You need to fill out a claim form and turn it into your employer.  Your employer is required to either give you the form or mail it to you within one day of notification.

You can also get the form from the Department of Industrial Relations , Department of Workers Compensation website at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/DWCForm1.pdf.

Employers in California are required to have an injury and illness prevention program. They must include worker training, workplace inspections, and procedures for correcting unsafe conditions promptly. Learn about and participate in your employer's program and report unsafe conditions to your employer. If they don't respond, call Cal/OSHA the state agency that enforces health and safety laws.  Even if you are not sure, contact OSHA at www.OSHA.gov.

If you just want more information, go to http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/WCFaqIW.html.