10 Essential Safety Tips for Factory Workers in California

May 11, 2025 | Workers Compensation

Given the higher risk of injury and exposure to heavy machinery and chemicals, accidents can easily occur. Safety tips for factory workers in California are critical, and proper training and adherence to safety procedures help reduce the risk of injury. Barry Law Group understands the challenges factory workers face in California and offers guidance to help workers understand their rights if injured on the job.

Understanding the Risks in California Factories

California is the United States’ largest manufacturing state, with 22,052 manufacturers employing 1,340,647 workers in 2024. These workers do the most dangerous jobs and operate heavy machinery daily, with common types of injuries including strains, cuts, slip and fall, amputation injury, and even paralysis, or permanent disability.

In 2023, the incidence rate of workplace injury in California was 3.0 cases per 100 full-time workers, while the national rate was 2.4. While the idea of a severe, life-altering injury, such as personal injury, knee injury, back, neck and spine injury, or vision loss, is frightening to think about, it’s important to be aware of this reality while working.

Safety Tip 1: Use Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the first line of defense against many factory hazards, including injuries caused by work equipment. OSHA requires employers to pay for and provide PPE appropriate for potential risks. Usually, PPE will include safety goggles, gloves, rubber boots with steel toes, hard hats, and hearing protection.

Safety Tip 2: Follow Lockout/Tagout Procedures

The lockout/tagout procedure was created to keep employees safe while repairing, cleaning, or clearing a machinery jam and to prevent serious injury. While working on a machine that’s off, it can sometimes unexpectedly turn on and begin to operate. To help keep you and your coworkers safe, the lockout/tagout method is recommended:

Safety Tip 3: Maintain Clear Walkways and Work Areas

According to 2023 OSHA statistics, slips, trips, and falls cause 15% of yearly workplace deaths in America. These fatalities are easily preventable. Keeping walkways clear of debris, tools, and hazards helps prevent injury. Being sure to immediately clean any spills and store materials safely is vital to workplace safety.

Safety Tip 4: Use Proper Lifting Techniques

It’s easy to write off proper lifting techniques, with people assuming they’ll be fine. However, if your job requires lifting objects consistently, improper lifting can quickly lead to lifelong injury.

Proper lifting involves bending at the knees, keeping the back straight, and avoiding twisting motions. Using mechanical aids like forklifts or hoists also reduces injury risk, and you should never feel ashamed for needing help. Workers should seek assistance with heavy loads and take frequent breaks to minimize strain.

Safety Tip 5: Attend Regular Safety Training

Ongoing safety training is mandated under OSHA regulations. Training updates employees on new equipment, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures. Taking these trainings seriously and reminding yourself of the daily physical risk will help you stay vigilant and safe on the clock.

Safety Tip 6: Report Unsafe Conditions Immediately

Early reporting of unsafe conditions prevents accidents. If parts of the workplace property are damaged, such as uneven flooring or broken handrails, report it as soon as possible. It may not seem like a huge deal, but it can quickly cause injury. California law requires employers to correct hazards within a reasonable time frame after notification.

Other glaring examples include malfunctioning safety guards, exposed wiring, chemical spills, or inadequate ventilation.

Safety Tip 7: Follow Chemical Safety Protocols

Factory work often involves handling harmful chemicals that can expose workers through inhalation, skin, or eye contact. Wearing your PPE, using workplace ventilation systems, and following storage guidelines will help reduce any exposure.

Safety Tip 8: Use Machine Guards Correctly

Machine safety guards protect workers from moving parts. Employees should never disable the guards and should report missing or damaged guards right away. Your work can wait; your health and safety cannot.

Safety Tip 9: Practice Emergency Preparedness

Factories must have emergency action plans, including evacuation routes, first aid stations, and fire response procedures. The emergency action plan must be written down, kept in the workplace, and easily accessible for employees to see. Regular drills prepare workers to respond effectively. Knowledge of emergency contacts and procedures minimizes injury and loss of life.

Safety Tip 10: Take Breaks and Avoid Fatigue

Fatigue is a major factor in workplace accidents. Even if your employer pressures you or tries to promote a workplace culture of taking no breaks, you have a legal right to take a break. California’s wage and hour laws require breaks to promote worker health and safety.

Employers should schedule breaks and rotate tasks to reduce repetitive stress and mental fatigue. You should communicate any concerns about excessive hours or fatigue to supervisors.

The California Labor Code prohibits retaliation against employees who report unsafe working conditions in good faith. These California workers’ compensation laws ensure workers’ rights to a safe workplace and fair compensation when injured.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Safety Measures for a Worker in a Factory in California?

A: Factory workers in California must use PPE to reduce the risk of factory worker accidents. Adhering to lockout/tagout procedures during machine maintenance is essential to prevent accidental startups. Maintaining clean, clutter-free workspaces and following proper lifting techniques reduces injury risk. Workers should attend regular safety training and report unsafe conditions promptly. Employers must provide training and ensure emergency preparedness plans are in place.

Q: What Are the Three C’s of Safety?

A: The three C’s of safety are:

1. Caution means staying alert to potential hazards and anticipating risks before they cause harm.
2. Communication advises employees to report safety concerns and updates promptly to supervisors and colleagues, ensuring everyone stays informed.
3. Compliance involves following all safety procedures without exception.

Together, these elements create a proactive approach to injury prevention by encouraging vigilance.

Q: What Are the Seven General Guidelines for Workplace Safety as Recommended By OSHA?

A: OSHA recommends these safety guidelines:

1. Management leadership requires managers to lead by example and prioritize workplace safety.
2. Worker participation means employees pitch in to design and implement safety procedures.
3. Hazard identification and assessment involve ongoing analysis to find risks early.
4. Hazard prevention and control focus on minimizing risks with equipment.
5. Training ensures everyone understands proper safety procedures.
6. Evaluation and improvement.
7. The management of contractors ensures everyone follows the same safety procedures.

Q: What Is the Workplace Safety Law in California?

A: Cal/OSHA was created in 1973 by the Occupational Safety and Health Act to protect employee safety. The law enforces safe and healthful working conditions and requires that they provide proper PPE, safety protocols, and training for employees. The California Labor Code protects employees from retaliation if they report unsafe working conditions.

Find Experienced Legal Help

If you are a factory worker injured or exposed to unsafe and illegal conditions in California, immediate legal guidance is essential. Barry Law Group helps represent factory workers in California and can help you navigate any injury claims or workplace safety concerns. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your case.