Existing California law requires employers to post a notice that includes several key pieces of information regarding workers’ compensation, including the following:
- How to get emergency medical treatment, if needed.
- The types of events, injuries, and illnesses covered by workers’ compensation.
- The injured employee’s right to receive medical care.
- The right to consult a licensed attorney regarding workers’ compensation rights, with attorney’s fees often paid from the employee’s recovery.
- The right to select and change the treating physician.
- The rights to various types of disability indemnity, supplemental job displacement, and death benefits.
- The procedure for reporting injuries.
- The existence of time limits for notifying the employer of an occupational injury.
- Protections against discrimination under Section 132a of the Labor Code.
California recently passed Assembly Bill 1870, which requires employers to add the following information to the required notice: “The internet website address and contact information that employees may use to obtain further information about the workers’ compensation claims process and an injured employee’s rights and obligations, including the location and telephone number of the nearest information and assistance officer.”
Note that failure to properly post this notice constitutes a misdemeanor and is considered prima facie evidence of noninsurance by the employer.
This new addition to the workers’ compensation poster goes into effect on January 1, 2025.
