Navigating the New Workplace Violence Prevention Mandate
California's new law against workplace violence goes into effect July 1st, 2024.
Senate Bill 553, now incorporated into the California Labor Code, requires that all employers in California create a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP).
What You Need to Know
- A WVPP can be its own program or part of another safety program.
- A review of the plan must take place after every incident and annually.
- It must deal with specific dangers at each location and avoid general solutions.
- Employers must document all violent incidents, responses, and investigations.
- Animal attacks must also be documented.
- Employees must be able to seek emergency or police help during these incidents.
- The plan should also be posted in easily accessible places for employees.
- Employees must help create this plan and get training on workplace violence specific to their jobs.
Exceptions:
- Remote employees, who work at a location not in the control of the employer.
- Small workplaces with fewer than 10 employees that are not accessible to the public and already comply with rules.
- Certain healthcare and law enforcement facilities.
How it Impacts You
Employers should expect to invest time and money to create and maintain this plan.
For example, they will need to set up regular training programs, keep detailed records, and do regular reviews.
As well as update procedures to make sure tenants follow the plan’s requirements.
They might also need to improve security efforts to meet these requirements.
Stay Connected
Please seek a lawyer’s advice for specific questions on helping your property comply with this law.
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