Originally published in the Orange County Lawyer magazine - June issue, Vol. 54 No. 6 (pages 12-13).

All California employers must comply with a multitude of wage and hour laws that go well beyond setting minimum wages and calculating overtime pay.

For example, do your clients know that:

Employers shall provide suitable lockers, closets, or equivalent for the safekeeping of employees’ outer clothing during working hours. . . . ! These rooms or spaces may be adjacent to but shall be separate from toilet rooms and shall be kept clean?

Or that: Adequate elevator, escalator, or similar service consistent with industry-wide standards . . . shall be provided when employees are employed four floors or more above or below ground level?

Or that: A temperature of not less than 68° shall be maintained in [employees’] toilet rooms, resting rooms, and change rooms during hours of use?

Or: If a meal period occurs on a shift beginning or ending at or between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., facilities shall be available for securing hot food and drink or for heating food or drink, and a suitable sheltered place shall be provided in which to consume such food or drink?