Staying Compliant with California's New Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) Requirements

On September 30, 2023, Governor Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (S.B.) No. 553. Effective July 1, 2024, California mandates compliance with Senate Bill 553, now codified in California Labor Code section 6401.9. This law requires employers to adopt a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) and train their employees on workplace violence prevention. Failure to do so may result in fines.

What is Required Under SB 553?

A WVPP must include the following procedures:

1. Guidelines preventing workplace violence hazards.

2. A method for employee reporting and employer response.

3. Conduct annual training for all employees, including managers, with additional training when new hazards are identified. This training must be interactive, allowing employees to ask questions and receive answers from a knowledgeable person about the employer’s specific “WVPP”.

4. Keep records of training and violent incident logs. Training records must be maintained for at least one year, while incident logs should be preserved for five years.

Act Now: Steps to Compliance

With the July 1, 2024, deadline approaching, it’s crucial to start preparing immediately:

1. Customize a plan to fit your specific workplace.

2. Involve your employees in developing and implementing the “WVPP”. Their insights can help identify unique workplace hazards.

3. Ensure all employees receive the required training before the deadline.

4. Implement systems to log violent incidents and training records effectively.

Assistance Available with Rosenstein & Associates

At Rosenstein & Associates, we are dedicated to helping employers stay compliant and create safer workplaces. Our experience will ensure that your “WVPP” not only meets legal standards but is also practical and effective for your business.

View Our Recorded Webinar

For more information, we invite you to view our recorded webinar. [Click Here]

WVPP Available Services

For those who wish to work with Rosenstein & Associates, we offer the following services for a one-time fee of $3,000.

1. Develop an initial plan for basic compliance.

2. Provide a video for initial employee training.

3. Provide instructions on how to receive employee feedback as required by law.

4. Within six months of receiving the initial plan, we will revise your “WVPP” to make it specific to your workplace and, if necessary, provide additional training to employees.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in developing, implementing, and maintaining your Workplace Violence Prevention Plan. Let's work together to ensure compliance with the new regulations and promote a safer work environment for all.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Rosenstein, on behalf of ROSENSTEIN & ASSOCIATES