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HomeLabor CodeDiv. 1Ch. 1§ 53 Department Head Definitions

§ 53 Department Head Definitions

Labor Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
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§ 53 Department Head Definitions

Key Takeaways

  • •When the law says 'head of the department,' it usually means the director.
  • •But for workers' comp, safety rules, or work conditions, it means the special groups that handle those things.
  • •This helps make sure the right people are in charge of the right problems.

Example

If a worker gets hurt on the job and needs help.

The 'head of the department' here isn't the director—it's the Division of Workers’ Compensation. They’re the ones who decide what happens, not the usual boss.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 53 Department Head Definitions

Whenever in Section 1001 or in Part 1 (commencing with Section 11000) of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code “head of the department” or similar designation occurs, the same shall, for the purposes of this code, mean the director, except that in respect to matters which by the express provisions of this code are committed to or retained under the jurisdiction of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, the State Compensation Insurance Fund, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board, or the Industrial Welfare Commission the designation shall mean the Division of Workers’ Compensation, the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, the State Compensation Insurance Fund, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board, or the Industrial Welfare Commission, as the case may be. (Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1097, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1995.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

head of the departmentdirectorDivision of Workers’ CompensationState Compensation Insurance FundOccupational Safety and Health Standards Board

Related Statutes

  • § 55 Department Organization Authority
  • § 54.5 Legal Counsel Appointment Authority
  • § 56 Department Divisions Structure
  • § 1173 Minimum Wage Review Duty
  • § 1182.16 Minimum Wage Increase Delay

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Labor Code. Section 53.
View Official Source