Labor Code section 4553.1

In order to support a holding of serious and willful misconduct by an employer based upon violation of a safety order, the appeals board must specifically find all of the following:

(1)

The specific manner in which the order was violated.

(2)

That the violation of the safety order did proximately cause the injury or death, and the specific manner in which the violation constituted the proximate cause.

(3)

That the safety order, and the conditions making the safety order applicable, were known to, and violated by, a particular named person, either the employer, or a representative designated by Section 4553, or that the condition making the safety order applicable was obvious, created a probability of serious injury, and that the failure of the employer, or a representative designated by Section 4553, to correct the condition constituted a reckless disregard for the probable consequences.

Source: Section 4553.1, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=LAB§ionNum=4553.­1.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1982; accessed Nov. 10, 2025).

Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Nov. 10, 2025

§ 4553.1's source at ca​.gov