CA Law Alert: What is Senate Bill 553?
Answer:
This law*, also known as workplace violence prevention, became effective July 1, 2024 and requires most Calforinia employers to establish, implement, and maintain a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) including:
Developing and implementing a plan
Communicating with and training employees
Responding to workplace violence and correcting hazards
Who is NOT required to abide by SB 553?
Employers and employees outside of California
Those covered by Workplace Violence Prevention in Healthcare
Remote employees
Workplaces not accessible to the public with less than 10 employees present
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and law enforcement agencies
What does "workplace violence" entail?
Acts or threats within the workplace that could lead to injury or trauma. Labor Code section 6401.9 defines four types of violence:
Type 1 - Committed by a person who has no legitimate business at the worksite and includes violent acts by anyone who enters the workplace or approaches workers with the intent to commit a crime
Type 2 - Directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or visitors
Type 3 - Violence against an employee by a present or former employee, supervisor, or manager
Type 4 - Violence by a person who does not work there but has or is known to have had a personal relationship with an employee
Can the WVPP be integrated into the IIPP?
Yes!
What training is required?
Annual training must cover:
The employer’s WVPP including how to get a copy and participate in development and implementation
Section 6401.9 definitions and requirements
How to report violence incidents
Hazards specific to the employees’ jobs
Implemented corrective measures
How to seek assistance
The violence incident log
An opportunity for Q&A
Note: Additional training must take place each time a new hazard is identified or changes are made to the WVPP.
What do I need to do?
Create and implement a WVPP (here is what that WVPP should include!)
Provide training for employees
*See the official bill text here.