Working mothers are now protected by the Senate Bill 142 with extra breaks and a private space to express milk. California employers are now required to provide a private lactation space that is a room other than a bathroom.
The lactation room that must be provided for mothers must follow these requirements:
- Safe and free from hazardous materials or chemicals
- A surface to place a breast pump
- Have a place to sit
- A refrigerator for storing milk
- A sink with running water
This lactation room must be within a close proximity of the workplace and kept private during the time of use.
Employers of fewer than 50 employees may be exempt from compliance with the requirements above if they, “can demonstrate that the requirement would impose an undue hardship by causing significant difficulty or expense in consideration to the size, financial resources, nature or structure of the employer’s business.”
Failure to comply with an adequate space or reasonable break time could result in fines of $100 per day imposed by the Labor Commissioner, in addition to any fines or penalties for missed meal or rest breaks.
More Businesses are partnering with outsourcing companies like Bizhaven to ensure compliance with accommodation by working with our industry-leading Human Resources partners.
