THE WORKPLACE : State Offers Firms Help in Complying With Health and Safety Regulations

Orange County employers who may not be in compliance with safety and health regulations can get help from the state--without fear of reprisals.

On Thursday, the California Department of Industrial Relations opened a new office in Anaheim to help businesses identify workplace hazards and remove them. The Cal/OSHA Consultation Service, as it is called, is staffed by about half a dozen people who will provide on-site evaluations and make recommendations.

“The point of the consultation service is to give employers a mechanism to get in compliance with the law without the risk of getting cited,” said Lloyd W. Aubry Jr., director of the Department of Industrial Relations, who was in Anaheim for the office opening.

The creation of the office was mandated by the workers’ compensation reform legislation signed last year. The service is free and available to all employers, though priority is to be given to small businesses in high-hazard industries.

The Anaheim office, the first of three such consultation centers to be opened in the state, is at 2100 E. Katella Ave., Suite 200. The phone number is (714) 935-2750.