Creating Safer Workplaces for Californians

LOSH is a nationally recognized center promoting safe workplaces through teaching and education, research, and policy advocacy. LOSH collaborates with workers, unions, community organizations, employers, academics, students, governmental representatives, and health professionals. Initiatives include health and safety training and education for low-income, minority, immigrant, and young workers; public advocacy; and participation in industry-wide research relating to occupational and environmental health policy issues in California.

LOSH Fulfills Its Triple Mission

Education & Training

OHIP construction tourWith a multi-ethnic, bilingual staff, LOSH reaches more than one thousand English and Spanish speaking workers throughout Southern California each year. Our current courses include the following:

  • Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
  • 24-Hour Basic Workplace Health and Safety
  • Young Worker Peer Education and Leadership Development
  • Workplace Ergonomics
  • Training of Trainers (TOT)
  • Small Business Seminars

LOSH training and education emphasizes interactive activities, worker and group leadership, collective problem-solving, and development of joint labor-management health and safety programs.

Research & Policy

students receive certificateLOSH’s research approach is based on principles of worker and community participation, with the goal of developing educational materials and recommending policy changes in order to improve working conditions. Recent research has focused on the following:

  • Immigrant workers, home care workers, and those employed in high-hazard jobs
  • Effective labor-management health and safety programs
  • The emerging green economy
  • Youth leadership development

Community Outreach

outreachLOSH strives to reach young workers, recent immigrants, those in traditionally underserved or high-risk occupations, and small businesses. We provide information, technical assistance, and customized training to individuals and groups to improve worker health and safety.

  • We host special events to create awareness among the various communities we serve.
  • The LOSH website offers an array of fact sheets, teaching resources, and other tools.
  • We coordinate internship opportunities for students from high school through graduate school.
  • Our Resource Library is available to the public.