How can I report my employer for failing to carry mandatory workers' compensation insurance in California?

You can report your employer for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance by filing a complaint with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). This action is confidential and protects you from employer retaliation. Here is how to report your employer: Step 1: Verify Your Employer's Insurance Status Before reporting, you can confirm your employer lacks coverage by searching for their business name on the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) website. This database allows you to check if a business has a valid policy. Step 2: Collect Your Employer's Information Gather important details, including the official business name, all known business addresses, the owner's name, and an approximate number of employees. This information is necessary for the state to open an investigation. Step 3: File a Report with the DLSE Submit a "Report of a Labor Law Violation" to the DLSE's Bureau of Field Enforcement. You can do this online via the DLSE website, by mail, or in person at a local DLSE district office. You have the right to file this report anonymously to protect your identity. Step 4: What to Expect After Reporting Once a report is filed, the DLSE may investigate. If it confirms your employer is uninsured, it can issue a stop order under Labor Code Section 3722, which forces the business to shut down until it obtains insurance. The DLSE will also assess significant financial penalties against the employer. Important Details and Nuances If you are injured at work and your employer is uninsured, you are still entitled to benefits. You can file a claim with California's Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund (UEBTF), which will cover your claim and then seek reimbursement from your employer. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting them or for filing a workers' compensation claim. Warnings and Limitations Reporting an uninsured employer can lead to the business being shut down and facing fines of up to $10,000 per employee. While retaliation is illegal, you should carefully document any adverse actions your employer takes against you after you file a report. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, especially if you have suffered a workplace injury or are facing retaliation, consult with a qualified California attorney.