Shield Your Team: Essential Workplace Violence Prevention in CA

California employers have a legal duty to protect their employees from workplace violence. This comprehensive guide breaks down the critical requirements of Cal/OSHA's Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and provides practical tips for compliance.

What is Workplace Violence?

• It's not just physical assault. Workplace violence includes threats, intimidation, and any act that could cause physical or psychological harm.
• It can come from multiple sources: Customers, clients, the public, other employees, or even someone with a personal vendetta against a worker.

Why a Written Plan is Essential

A well-structured Workplace Violence Prevention plan demonstrates your commitment to employee safety and helps you:

• Identify potential risks specific to your workplace.
• Train employees on recognizing and reporting threats.
• Have clear procedures for responding to incidents and emergencies.
• Investigate and learn from any instances of workplace violence.

Cal/OSHA's Key Requirements

Your Plan MUST include:

• Designation of a clear person(s) responsible for implementing and maintaining the plan.
• A system for employee involvement in developing safety measures.
• Procedures for accepting, investigating, and responding to workplace violence reports.
• A ban on retaliation against employees who report threats or incidents.
• A communication strategy to inform employees about workplace violence issues.
• Effective training for all employees, tailored to their potential risk level.
• A post-incident response and evaluation process

Important Note: Even with the best prevention plan, incidents can happen. All serious injuries, illnesses, or deaths related to workplace violence must be reported to Cal/OSHA immediately.

• Cal/OSHA Workplace Violence full details.

Take Action

If you don't have a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, start developing one immediately. I'll be posting resources as shortly. If you have an existing plan, review it with the latest Cal/OSHA guidance and update it as needed. Employee safety depends on it! #workplace #workplacesafety #violencepreventionplan #humanresources #HR #HRBP