California Assemblywoman Liz Ortega has accused Cal-OSHA of failing to protect workers, describing the state workplace safety agency as a “disgraceful agency” following a series of worker deaths.
Ortega, a Democrat representing San Leandro, made the remarks while demanding greater accountability from the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal-OSHA.
Her criticism centres on the agency’s handling of workplace complaints, accidents and fatal incidents. A state audit published in July 2025 found deficiencies in Cal-OSHA’s enforcement processes and staffing levels that could undermine protections for California’s nearly 20 million workers.
The audit found that, during the 2023-24 financial year, 82 per cent of valid complaints were investigated by letter rather than through an on-site inspection. Auditors also questioned whether the agency had sufficient evidence to justify closing a number of cases without visiting the workplaces involved.
In a separate review of accident cases, auditors found that six of seven cases not followed by an inspection lacked documentation supporting the decision. The report also raised concerns about the agency’s handling of potential criminal referrals after workplace deaths.
Ortega has repeatedly highlighted the deaths of three workers at Alco Iron and Metals, a scrap metal company in her district. According to her office, Ray Alfaro, Alberto Anaya and Luis Fernando Guerrero died at the company over an eight-year period, while the total fines paid amounted to $18,000.
The assemblywoman has called for tougher penalties and more criminal referrals against employers when workers are killed or seriously injured. She has also indicated that she intends to pursue legislation aimed at strengthening accountability.
Cal-OSHA and California’s Department of Industrial Relations accepted the state auditor’s recommendations and said they were working to update procedures, improve case management and address staffing shortages. The department has said the reforms are intended to improve the agency’s ability to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.
