CSLB Contractor's Law & Business Practice Exam

What action is DOSH likely to take when a contractor requests the name of an employee who reported a safety violation?

1. DOSH will provide the name to the contractor.

2. DOSH will keep the name confidential unless requested otherwise.

3. DOSH will inform the employee about the request.

4. DOSH will conduct an investigation into the contractor's request.

The correct answer is: DOSH will keep the name confidential unless requested otherwise.

The correct response highlights the confidentiality protections afforded to employees who report safety violations. Under California's labor laws, particularly those related to workplace safety, employees are encouraged to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation. As a result, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is likely to keep the name of the reporting employee confidential. This confidentiality is essential to fostering a workplace culture where employees feel safe to voice their concerns regarding safety issues. If DOSH were to disclose the name of the employee to the contractor, it could deter future reports and undermine the objective of maintaining a safe work environment by discouraging employees from reporting violations. Maintaining confidentiality ensures that employees can report issues without fearing repercussions from their employer, thus supporting the overall integrity of the safety reporting process. The other choices suggest scenarios that either involve compromising this confidentiality or misunderstand the role of DOSH in addressing such requests. Therefore, confidentiality is paramount in this context, affirming that the response about DOSH keeping the name confidential unless otherwise requested is indeed the most accurate choice.