By @Aaron Avery
Starting July 1, 2024, SB 553 (Cortese) of 2023 mandates most employers, with limited exceptions, to establish, implement, and maintain a workplace violence prevention plan.
Key requirements of SB 553 include maintaining logs of violent incidents, providing specific training, and conducting periodic reviews of the prevention plan. Moreover, this legislation empowers authorized employee representatives to pursue temporary restraining orders (TROs) on behalf of employees who have faced violence at work.
To assist employers in compliance, Cal/OSHA has released a model plan, accessible though the Latest Updates and Added Publications section of its website. This model plan comprehensively outlines steps for creating a workplace violence plan, documenting violent incidents, conducting relevant training, and fulfilling employer recordkeeping obligations. Fact sheets for employers and employees, respectively, can also be accessed here and here for additional information including what qualifies as workplace violence, how to prevent it, employee rights and more.
For assistance, employers may reach out to Cal/OSHA Consultation Services at InfoCons@dir.ca.gov or visit the consultation services website here. You may also reach consultation services at 1-800-963-9424.
Special districts should also review CSDA’s 2024 New Laws article discussing SB 553, which was published by CSDA in December 2023:
2024 New Laws Series, Part 6: Significant New Labor Laws for 2024 (csda.net)
And, don’t miss the webinar CSDA will be hosting concerning SB 553 on June 13 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration is free to CSDA members.
Webinar: Workplace Violence Prevention Plans
Register Here
Presenters: Jonathan S. Vick, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
Almost every employer in California needs to have a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) in place by July 1, 2024. You’ll want to attend this webinar if your organization:
- Has not yet started developing a plan,
- Has a plan but is not sure if it addresses all of the requirements,
- Thinks it is exempt from having a plan, or
- Has any questions about developing WVPPs.
This presentation will discuss the key elements of a compliant WVPP, including evaluating unsafe conditions, required reporting, training, and investigating workplace violence incidents.
June 13, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Free CSDA Member | $110 Non-member
Eligible for SDRMA Credit Incentive Points
CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).
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