Newsletter

Establishing, Implementing, and Maintaining a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan

Governor Newsom signed SB 553 (Cortese) into law on September 30, 2023. The bill, codified in Labor Code section 6401.9, requires covered employers (including local government agencies) to establish, implement, and maintain a workplace violence prevention plan no later than July 1, 2024.

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More specifically, employers must adhere to the following requirements:

• Establish, implement, and maintain an effective workplace violence prevention plan containing specified information in all work areas at all times.
• Record information in a violent incident log for every workplace violence incident.
• Effectively train employees on the workplace violence prevention plan, including providing additional training when a new or previously unrecognized workplace violence hazard has been identified and when changes are made to the plan.
• Maintain:
  • Records of workplace violence hazard identification, evaluation, and correction;
  • Training records to be created and maintained, and;
  • Violent incident logs and workplace incident investigation records are to be maintained as specified.
• Make available certain records to the division (Cal/OSHA), employees, and employee representatives, as specified.

Members are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review Labor Code section 6401.9 to become familiar with each requirement. Cal/OSHA has created a model plan and fact sheets for employees and employers to assist with compliance. Additional information and Cal/OSHA resources can be found here.

Navigating SB 553 Webinar
A critical element for making an effective plan is to assess and identify workplace violence hazards at every location where employees are present. This can be achieved by conducting site security assessments. Members who need assistance navigating the changes can register for an Authority webinar on May 13, 2024. During the webinar, workplace violence prevention expert Dr. Steve Albrecht will explain how to conduct and document site security assessments, along with steps that can be taken to mitigate identified exposures. The webinar will be recorded and made available through myJPIA to members unable to attend the live event. This training can also be provided (virtually) to individual members as requested.

For members who would like additional assistance conducting site security assessments, the Authority can provide referrals to several workplace violence prevention experts. These individuals can be engaged directly at members’ own cost.

Training Resources
Once the plan has been developed, training on the various elements must be provided to all employees. Members are encouraged to designate one employee or a small group of employees to develop the plan, conduct site security assessments, and provide training to the rest of the agency. To supplement these efforts, the California JPIA offers the following training:

• Workplace Violence: From Threats to Active Shooters
• Workplace Violence Awareness Training
• Active Shooter & Workplace Violence Response: The New Environment for Public Sector Professionals
• Tactical Communication: Tools for Service & Safety in the Field
• Strategic Communication: De-escalation Strategies
• De-escalation Techniques: Communication Strategies for Public Sector Employees

For more information on these offerings, please review the training catalog in myJPIA. Members can contact Administrative Assistant Denise Covell for scheduling assistance.

Finally, to assist with the requirement that employers provide an effective means for employees to report workplace violence incidents, members have access to the STOPit Anonymous Reporting System. The California JPIA fully funds this service which provides an effective mechanism to report and deter inappropriate behaviors in the workplace, including, but not limited to, harassment, discrimination, threats, violence, theft, fraud, and mental health concerns. In addition to incident reporting, STOPit allows agencies to monitor reported incidents closely. For more information or to sign up for this program, please contact STOPit Solutions Vice President of Partnerships Matthew Toth via email or at (609) 793-8419.

If you have any questions, please contact your regional risk manager.

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