The California Department of Industrial Relations has issued a fact sheet summarizing Senate Bill 553 (SB 553), which was enacted to address workplace violence in general industry settings (Non-Healthcare). This legislation, signed into law on September 30, 2023, mandates the creation of a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) by California employers, effective July 1, 2024.
Key Provisions of SB 553
Maintain a WVPP
One of the key provisions of SB 553 is the requirement for employers to establish, implement, and maintain a WVPP. This plan should include measures such as:
- employee protection against retaliation
- processes for accepting and responding to reports of workplace violence
- training and communication about workplace violence
- emergency response protocols, and
- conducting workplace violence hazard assessments
Violent Incident Log
Additionally, employers are required to maintain a Violent Incident Log, which details each incident of workplace violence.
The WVPP should outline important aspects such as:
- the individuals responsible for implementing the plan
- employee involvement in its development and implementation
- coordination with other employers as necessary
- procedures for addressing workplace violence reports
- compliance and communication strategies
- emergency response and training guidelines
- hazard identification and evaluation,
- timely correction of identified hazards
- the annual review of the plans
Training
Employers are also required to provide comprehensive initial and annual training for employees, covering plan details, reporting mechanisms, hazard awareness, and the violent incident log. Additional training is necessary when new hazards are identified or changes to the plan are made.
Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping is an important aspect of the WVPP. The plan must be written and readily accessible, and records of hazard identification, evaluations, and corrections must be kept for at least five years. Training and incident investigation records should also be maintained for specified durations.
SB 553 represents a significant step in ensuring the safety and health of California’s workforce by mandating comprehensive measures to prevent and respond to workplace violence. Employers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the requirements and implement the necessary procedures to comply with the law. For more detailed information and resources, employers can reach out to a broker at Marsh McLennan Agency.
