As of July 1, 2025, California expanded workplace protections: domestic workers employed by companies are now covered under Cal/OSHA's workplace safety and health regulations.
This update ensures that certain domestic workers - including caregivers, housecleaners, and gardeners employed by companies - receive the same safety standards as employees in other industries.
These protections apply to domestic workers employed by companies, such as caregiving or housecleaning agencies that directly hire workers.
Until now, domestic workers employed by companies were excluded from Cal/OSHA oversight. That meant:
With the new law in effect, employers in the domestic services industry must now provide:
If you are employed by a company that hires domestic workers, you now have the legal right to:
Note on immigration status: Immigration status does not affect these rights. All workers are covered.
If you hire a worker directly (for example, a house cleaner, gardener, or caregiver), this law does not apply to you because individual homeowners and renters are generally not considered employers under Cal/OSHA.
That said, safety and respect remain important considerations. Homeowners can still take steps to support a safe and healthy working environment, even if not legally required.
This Cal/OSHA update is a step toward recognizing the value of domestic work. It provides long-overdue safety protections for those employed in this field, while also highlighting the need for ongoing awareness and respect in all home-based work arrangements.
