California Senate Bill 553 (SB 553), which was signed into law on September 30, 2023, mandates that virtually all employers in the state develop and implement a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) by July 1, 2024.

This law aims to enhance workplace safety by requiring specific measures and procedures to prevent and respond to workplace violence.

Key Requirements of SB 553:

1. Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP):
• Employers must establish, implement, and maintain a written WVPP.
• The plan should include procedures for reporting and investigating incidents of workplace violence, identifying and evaluating risks, and developing controls to mitigate those risks.
• The WVPP must be accessible to all employees, either through an intranet, physical binders, or bulletin boards in common areas.

2. Training:
• Employers are required to provide training on the WVPP to all employees. This training must cover how to report workplace violence, how to participate in the plan’s development and implementation, and strategies to avoid physical harm.
• Training must be conducted when the plan is first established and annually thereafter. Additional training is required whenever a new workplace violence hazard is identified or when changes are made to the WVPP.

3. Incident Reporting and Investigation:
• Employers must implement procedures for reporting and investigating incidents of workplace violence.
• An anti-retaliation clause must be included to protect employees who report such incidents.

4. Recordkeeping:
• Employers must maintain a Violent Incident Log, recording all incidents of workplace violence. This log must be kept on file for at least five years.
• Training records must be maintained for at least one year.

5. Emergency Response:
• The WVPP must include procedures for responding to workplace violence emergencies, including evacuation and shelter plans and protocols for obtaining assistance.

Exemptions:

• The law exempts healthcare facilities, which are covered under a separate, more stringent standard, and worksites with fewer than ten employees that are not accessible to the public. Teleworkers working from a location of their choice that is not under the employer’s control are also exempt.

SB 553 sets a new standard for workplace safety in California by focusing on proactive measures to prevent workplace violence and ensuring comprehensive plans and training are in place to protect employees.

For more detailed information, you can refer to sources like the California Chamber of Commerce, Nixon Peabody LLP, and Ogletree Deakins’ publications on this law .