Know Your Employment Rights When a Natural Disaster Strikes

Wildfires are an unfortunate reality for many Californians, causing not only physical damage but also serious disruptions to daily life—including your ability to work safely. While California laws are designed to protect employees during these times, some employers fail to follow the rules, leaving workers exposed to unsafe conditions or unfair treatment. If your employer isn’t meeting their obligations, you may have legal options to hold them accountable.

Here’s what you need to know about your rights as an employee during wildfire disasters:

1. Your Right to a Safe Workplace

California employers are required by law to ensure your workplace is safe. During wildfires, this includes:

• Providing protective equipment: Employers must provide respirators, masks, or other necessary gear to protect against wildfire smoke if air quality deteriorates.

• Monitoring air quality: If the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds certain levels, employers must take specific actions, such as limiting outdoor work or providing respiratory protection.

• Preventing unsafe work conditions: If your job requires outdoor work in hazardous conditions, your employer must take steps to minimize risks.

What to do if your employer fails:

If you’ve been forced to work in unsafe conditions or were not provided proper protective equipment, you could have a legal claim. Your health and safety should always come first.

2. Paid Leave and Job Protections

Wildfire-related evacuations, road closures, and personal health risks may prevent you from going to work. In these situations:

• Paid leave laws: California law provides for paid sick leave and other benefits that may cover wildfire-related absences.

• Job protection: Employers cannot retaliate against you for using sick leave or taking time off due to emergencies.

Signs of violations:

Were you denied paid leave or threatened with termination for missing work because of wildfire-related issues? If so, you may have been unlawfully treated.

3. Wage Theft During Emergencies

Even during disasters, you are entitled to fair pay for all hours worked, including:

• Reporting time pay: If you are sent home early because of wildfires, you may be entitled to partial pay for scheduled hours.

• Overtime pay: Employers cannot use emergencies as an excuse to avoid paying overtime or wages owed.

What to watch for:

If your paycheck is short, or you’ve been told that wildfire-related disruptions mean no pay, your rights are being violated.

4. Discrimination or Retaliation Is Illegal

Employers cannot punish you for asserting your rights or for raising safety concerns. Common forms of retaliation include:

• Being demoted, reassigned, or terminated.

• Being subjected to harassment or a hostile work environment.

If you’ve been targeted for standing up for your rights during a wildfire emergency, legal action can help hold your employer accountable.

How We Can Help

At WorkRight Law, we are dedicated to standing up for employees who have been mistreated, especially during challenging times like wildfire disasters. If your employer has:

• Forced you to work in unsafe conditions.

• Denied you paid leave or proper wages.

• Retaliated against you for speaking out.

You don’t have to face this alone. We have years of experience fighting for employees’ rights and holding employers accountable.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you protect your rights, your safety, and your livelihood.

WorkRight Law: Fighting for Fairness, Justice, and Your Right to a Safe Workplace.