Understanding California SB 553: Workplace Violence Prevention Training Requirements

California Senate Bill 553 (SB 553), effective July 1, 2024, mandates that most employers in the state develop and implement a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). This legislation aims to enhance employee safety by requiring proactive measures to prevent workplace violence.

What Is SB 553?

SB 553 amends California Labor Code Section 6401.7 and introduces Section 6401.9, establishing new requirements for employers to address workplace violence. Under this law, employers must:

• Develop a written WVPP tailored to their specific workplace.
• Provide effective training to employees on the WVPP.
• Maintain records of workplace violence incidents and training sessions.

These requirements apply to most employers in California, with exceptions for certain small businesses, healthcare facilities, and law enforcement agencies.

Key Components of a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan

An effective WVPP should include:

• Identification of Responsible Individuals: Names or job titles of persons responsible for implementing the plan.
• Employee Involvement: Procedures to involve employees in developing and implementing the plan.
• Incident Reporting: Clear procedures for employees to report workplace violence incidents or threats without fear of retaliation.
• Emergency Response: Protocols for responding to actual or potential workplace violence emergencies.
• Hazard Assessment: Methods to identify and evaluate workplace violence hazards, including periodic inspections.
• Training: Procedures to develop and provide training to employees.
• Recordkeeping: Maintenance of a violent incident log and records of hazard assessments and training sessions.

Training Requirements Under SB 553

Employers are required to provide training to all employees that covers:

• The contents of the WVPP and how to obtain a copy.
• How to report workplace violence incidents or concerns.
• Workplace violence hazards specific to the employees’ jobs and the corrective measures in place.
• Strategies to avoid physical harm and seek assistance.
• Information about the violent incident log and how to access it.

Training must be provided when the WVPP is first established and annually thereafter. Additional training is required when new or previously unrecognized workplace violence hazards are identified or when changes are made to the WVPP.

Recordkeeping Obligations

Employers must maintain:

• Violent Incident Log: A log of all incidents of workplace violence, including details such as date, time, location, and description of the incident.
• Training Records: Documentation of all training sessions, including dates, content, and attendees.
• Hazard Assessments: Records of workplace violence hazard assessments and the corrective actions taken.

These records must be kept for a minimum of five years and made available to employees and Cal/OSHA upon request.

Exemptions to SB 553

SB 553 does not apply to:

• Workplaces with fewer than 10 employees that are not accessible to the public.
• Employees teleworking from locations not under the employer’s control.
• Healthcare facilities already covered under existing workplace violence prevention regulations.
• Facilities operated by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and law enforcement agencies.

Ensuring Compliance

To comply with SB 553, employers should:

1. Develop a WVPP: Create a written plan tailored to the specific needs and hazards of the workplace.
2. Train Employees: Provide comprehensive training on the WVPP and procedures for preventing and responding to workplace violence.
3. Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of incidents, training sessions, and hazard assessments.
4. Review and Update: Regularly review and update the WVPP to address new hazards or changes in the workplace.

Employers can utilize resources provided by Cal/OSHA, including model WVPP templates and guidance documents, to assist in developing their plans

By proactively implementing a comprehensive WVPP and adhering to SB 553 requirements, employers can create a safer work environment and reduce the risk of workplace violence incidents.