Reminder Regarding Workplace Violence Prevention Planning and Training Obligations Effective July 1, 2024

In 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 428 and SB 553, which provided additional protections to employees and set forth additional obligations for employers regarding workplace violence prevention.

Among other protections and obligations, SB 553 created Labor Code section 6401.9, requiring most employers to establish, implement, and maintain an effective Workplace Violence Prevention Plan on or before July 1, 2024. Cal/OSHA developed a Model Workplace Violence Prevention Plan for General Industry (Non-Health Care Settings). Employers may utilize that document or create their own so long as it complies with the statute.

In addition to establishing an effective Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, covered employers were also required to provide employees with training outlined by Labor Code section 6401.9 beginning no later than July 1, 2024, with ongoing obligations for both the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and related training.

Cal/OSHA is currently working on developing a workplace violence prevention standard that meets the requirements of Labor Code section 6401.9 and will submit it to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) no later than December 31, 2025. OSHSB is required to adopt the standard no later than December 31, 2026.

More information regarding Labor Code section 6401.9 and workplace violence plan and training obligations is located here and here.

This legal update and any use of its information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice for any specific employer or employment situation. Consult legal counsel before taking any action as a result of information contained herein.