As of July 1, 2024, most California employers must comply with Senate Bill 553 (SB 553), requiring a written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) under California Labor Code § 6401.9.This step-by-step guide explains how to determine coverage, create your plan, train employees, maintain records, and stay compliant with Cal/OSHA requirements.
Step 1: Determine Whether Your Organization Must Comply
SB 553 applies to nearly all California employers, unless specifically exempt.
Exemptions include:
- Fewer than 10 employees at a location not accessible to the public.
- Employees who telework from home or a location outside the employer’s control.
- Employers already covered under California’s Healthcare Workplace Violence Prevention Standard.
If your organization operates any worksite in California accessible to the public or where employees interact with others, you’re likely covered.
For context and training resources, see:
- https://compliancetraininggroup.com/courses/violence-in-the-workplace/
- https://compliancetraininggroup.com/courses/active-shooter-awareness/
For official guidance from Cal/OSHA, employers can reference the state’s Workplace Violence Prevention resources at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Workplace-Violence/General-Industry.html
Step 2: Understand Core Requirements of CA SB 553
Effective Date
- Enforced beginning July 1, 2024.
- Cal/OSHA will issue a permanent general industry standard by December 31, 2026.
What Employers Must Do
Covered employers must:
- Establish and maintain a written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP).
- Identify, evaluate, and correct hazards that could lead to workplace violence.
- Train employees on recognizing and reporting threats or incidents.
- Maintain a Violent Incident Log recording details of each threat or event.
- Review and update the plan at least annually or after any incident.
- Ensure no retaliation occurs against employees who report threats or concerns.
Step 3: Develop Your Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)
A compliant WVPP should include:
- Responsible Persons
Identify job titles or departments responsible for plan implementation and maintenance. - Employee Involvement
Describe how employees are involved in developing, reviewing, and improving the plan. - Hazard Identification & Correction
Define how you will identify workplace violence hazards, evaluate risks, and correct them promptly. - Incident Reporting Procedures
Establish clear and confidential ways for employees to report violent incidents or threats. - Post-Incident Response
Outline steps for investigation, corrective action, and support for affected employees. - Emergency Procedures
Include instructions for contacting law enforcement or emergency services when necessary. - Plan Accessibility
Ensure employees can easily access a copy of the WVPP (online or printed).
Step 4: Provide Employee Training
All employees must receive training:
- Initially when the plan is first implemented.
- Annually thereafter.
- Whenever new hazards are introduced or after an incident.
Training should include:
- Your organization’s specific WVPP content.
- How to recognize and avoid workplace violence hazards.
- How and to whom to report threats or incidents.
- How to access the Violent Incident Log.
CTG offers specialized courses to help employers meet training requirements:
https://compliancetraininggroup.com/courses/violence-in-the-workplace/
Step 5: Maintain Required Records
Employers must keep:
- Hazard evaluation and correction records (5 years)
- Violent Incident Logs (5 years)
- Employee training records (1 year minimum)
Each incident log must include:
- Date, time, and location of the incident.
- Description and classification (Type 1–4).
- Corrective measures taken.
- Names and job titles of employees directly involved.
Ensure these records are available to employees or their representatives, and to Cal/OSHA upon request.
Step 6: Review and Update Annually
The WVPP must be reviewed at least once per year and updated whenever:
- A workplace violence incident occurs.
- New hazards are identified.
- Operations, locations, or staffing structures change.
Involve employees in plan reviews and communicate updates during refresher training.
Step 7: Document and Demonstrate Compliance
Thorough documentation is key. Keep written evidence of:
- WVPP creation and revisions
- Employee participation
- Training sessions
- Incident logs and corrective actions
Downloadable California SB 553 Compliance Checklist (PDF)
Why SB 553 Compliance Matters
These records demonstrate good-faith compliance and will help mitigate liability in the event of an audit or inspection.
Failure to comply can lead to:
- Cal/OSHA citations and penalties
- Civil liability if employees are harmed by preventable violence
- Reputational damage and loss of employee trust
Proactive compliance demonstrates your organization’s commitment to workplace safety and can reduce long-term risk.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Creating and maintaining a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan under SB 553 is not only a legal requirement—it’s a vital part of ensuring employee safety and building a culture of respect and preparedness.
For professional training and WVPP implementation support, visit:
https://compliancetraininggroup.com/courses/violence-in-the-workplace/
The complete text of California Senate Bill 553 is available at: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB553
