Effective July 1, 2024, California Senate Bill 553 (SB 553) mandates that nearly all California employers implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). This requirement is a critical update for businesses, especially from an HR perspective, as it aims to enhance employee safety and reduce incidents of workplace violence.
Who is Affected?
Most employers in California must comply with this new law, with only a few exceptions, including:
- Correctional facilities
- Law enforcement agencies
- Teleworkers
- Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees that are not accessible to the public
What Employers Need to Do
Employers subject to SB 553 must develop, establish, and maintain a comprehensive WVPP. The plan needs to be more than just a formality; it requires active implementation and continuous oversight. Key elements include:
- Develop and Maintain the WVPP: Employers must create a written plan that outlines procedures for preventing workplace violence. This plan must be reviewed and updated regularly to remain effective.
- Employee Training: Employers are required to train their employees on the WVPP when it’s first established and then conduct annual refresher trainings. This ensures that all employees are aware of how to recognize, avoid, and respond to potential violence.
- Violent Incident Log: Employers must maintain a log that records every instance of workplace violence. This log is critical for tracking trends and identifying areas of concern that need to be addressed.
- Incident Investigations: Employers must thoroughly investigate any incidents of workplace violence, as well as reports of potential violence. The results of these investigations must be communicated to the employee who raised the concern.
- Record Maintenance: Employers are required to keep training records for at least one year and maintain incident logs and other hazard identification records for at least five years. These records must be made available to both employees and Cal/OSHA upon request.
Addressing Different Types of Violence
The WVPP must cover four distinct types of violence in the workplace, ensuring comprehensive protection for employees. This proactive approach helps businesses mitigate risks and foster a safer work environment.
Why This Matters
The enactment of SB 553 highlights California’s commitment to workplace safety. Employers who fail to comply may face penalties, but more importantly, the law underscores the moral responsibility to safeguard employees from harm. By implementing a robust WVPP, businesses can not only comply with the law but also create a culture of safety that protects both employees and the organization as a whole.
If you are an employer in California, now is the time to review your workplace policies and ensure your WVPP is in place and up to date. For more detailed information on SB 553 and how it affects your business, you can refer to the full article here.