Donning and doffing claims in California represent an important area of wage and hour law that protects employees from employer practices that effectively reduce their earnings below minimum wage or deny overtime pay. Contact Moon Law today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced California employment lawyer. We have been winning employment cases for over two decades.
What Is the Law Regarding Donning and Doffing in California?
California law requires employers to compensate employees for time spent changing into and out of required work gear when these activities occur primarily for the employer’s benefit. California Labor Code § 510 establishes compensable working hours, which courts interpret to include donning and doffing when specific conditions apply.
Examples of Donning and Doffing
Donning and doffing refers to the process of putting on and taking off work-related clothing or protective gear. These activities are often essential and indispensable for employee safety and include:
- Applying and removing personal protective equipment (PPE), including hazmat suits, before and after handling hazardous materials
- Putting on and removing rubber gloves, safety glasses, masks, or respirators pre-shift or post-shift
- Wearing and taking off safety helmets or hard hats
- Changing into and out of work uniforms or coveralls required for the job
- Putting on steel-toed boots, shoe covers, or other protective footwear
- Donning and doffing lab coats, gowns, or cleanroom suits
- Securing and removing safety goggles, face shields, or ear protection
- Putting on and taking off harnesses or other required gear for fall protection
- Changing into sterile garments in healthcare or food production settings
- Wearing and removing chemical-resistant suits or aprons
If you were not paid for your time spent donning and doffing protective gear or your work clothes, your employer could be violating state laws by failing to properly pay for compensable time. An experienced attorney from our law firm can evaluate your situation and explain if you have a viable legal claim against them.
Not Paid for Donning and Doffing? Here’s How an Employment Lawyer Can Help
Employers frequently treat donning and doffing time as unpaid preparatory work outside compensable hours, violating California wage and hour laws. Our firm has extensive experience uncovering these violations and holding employers accountable for widespread wage theft by:
- Investigating Your Claim: Our attorneys can review your employer’s policies, time records, and job requirements to determine if you were entitled to pay for changing clothes or other gear-related activities.
- Calculating Unpaid Wages: Our lawyers calculate the compensation owed by assessing your time spent donning and doffing, including unpaid wages, overtime, and waiting time penalties under California Labor
. - Filing Legal Claims: We handle all filings with the California Labor Commissioner or state courts, managing evidence and negotiations so you can focus on your work and personal life.
- Pursuing Class Actions: When violations impact multiple employees, our attorneys can explore class action options to recover unpaid wages and hold employers accountable for widespread labor violations.
Contact a California Employment Attorney Today
Don’t wait to act—California law imposes a three-year statute of limitations for wage claims. We have successfully helped thousands of employees across California, securing millions of dollars on their behalf through court verdicts and settlements.
Contact Moon Law today to schedule a free case evaluation with a reputable California employment lawyer who will review your situation and explain your legal options without any financial obligation. Our firm works on a contingency basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your donning and doffing claims.
