New California Workplace Violence Laws: What Employers Must Know

Introduction

Do you employ staff at a California business? By July 1, 2024, a written workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP) will be mandatory for all CA employers. Failure to comply with the new requirements could result in substantial penalties. According to Cal OSHA, workplace violence accounts for over 2 million affected U.S. workers annually. It's the second leading cause of fatal injuries on the job.

Last year, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 553 to tackle this critical issue. The law tasks Cal OSHA with enforcing comprehensive WVPPs that aim to better protect California employees. What should these plans include? Mandatory training, reporting procedures, hazard assessments, and more.

Quotes

> Workplace violence is the second leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States. - Cal OSHA

Key Requirements

- Names of those responsible for WVPP implementation

- Coordination with other employers (if applicable)

- Communication and training for all staff on workplace violence prevention

- Evaluation and correction of workplace hazards

- Response procedures for violent incidents

- Reporting protocols without fear of retaliation

- Post-incident investigation and follow-up

Incident Logs

For any violent episode - even without injury - a detailed log helps track key information:

- Date, time, location

- Incident description and characteristics

- Parties involved

- Consequences and law enforcement response

- Preventative actions taken

Logs exclude identifying details but capture essential facts.

Training

Easy-to-understand training familiarizes staff with risks and responsibilities:

- WVPP access, participation, and contents

- Definitions and legislative requirements

- Hazard awareness and job-specific precautions

- Reporting procedures

- Interactive discussions

Retraining is required when new hazards emerge.

Reporting Injuries and Fatalities

In the event of serious harm from workplace violence:

- Ensure timely, appropriate medical care

- Notify staff of workers’ comp eligibility

- Record details in the violent incident log

- Report fatalities and serious injuries to Cal OSHA

- Document incidents on Form 300 logs

Conclusion

Workplace violence can devastate workers physically and emotionally while exposing businesses to major liability and penalties. Implementing a carefully constructed WVPP, delivering robust training, maintaining detailed logs, and proper reporting are key to reducing risk.

Stay tuned to additional guidance as the 2024 compliance deadline approaches. In the meantime, access our free violence prevention plan template now.

Share Your Thoughts

What aspects of creating a solid WVPP seem most challenging at your organization? Share your perspective in the comments.