Can I require my employees to work in the office during a power outage?

Depending on the specific work activity, operations, facility, or machinery and equipment your employees use, there may be Cal/OSHA regulations that you are required to comply with. For example, office environments, warehouses or manufacturing facilities all use electricity for different things, lighting being one of them. Cal/OSHA enforces minimum illumination requirements inside buildings, stairwells, and exits, and safety standards designed to protect workers from motors that can automatically restart after power failures. These regulations can be found in Title 8 sections 3215, 3317, 1523, and 4296. In addition, Employers should have an adequate emergency action plan.