California has recently passed Senate Bill 553 (SB 553), which mandates that employers establish a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP), document incidents of workplace violence, and provide training for employees to identify workplace violence hazards by July 1, 2024.
SB 553 is applicable to all employers in California. According to state law, an “employer” is defined as any entity engaged in business or enterprise in California, provided they employ at least one person under any form of appointment, contract of hire, or apprenticeship.
Effective July 1, 2024, SB 553 broadens the scope of Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IPPs) by necessitating employers to integrate comprehensive WVPPs into all work areas as part of their IPPs. SB 553 delineates the specific information that must be incorporated into these WVPPs. Moreover, SB 553 mandates employers to:
- Maintain a violent incident log documenting workplace violence incidents.
- Conduct effective WVPP training for employees.
- Conduct ongoing training whenever new or previously unrecognized workplace violence hazards emerge, or modifications to WVPP are implemented.
Below this communication are two model programs for your selection, which must be completed and used to train your employees. Additionally, a checklist is provided to facilitate customization of the program and ensure that all necessary aspects are covered during training. While the law currently does not stipulate a specific duration for training, it is crucial to ensure that the communication or training is tailored to the unique characteristics of your organization and worksite.
California Model Workplace Violence Prevention Program-Zywave
California Model Workplace Violence Prevention Program- KPA
Checklist for Complying with California’s Workplace Prevention Law
Cavignac supports its clients with online resources and connections to professionals in the field to consult on various HR practices. For more information, contact your Risk Advisor.
