What is California SB553?
California SB553 is a legislative measure that mandates employers to establish a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) to address workplace violence in various employment settings.
Who is covered by California SB553?
SB553 covers most California employers except those covered by the Workplace Violence Prevention in Healthcare standard, employees teleworking from their choice of location, places of employment not accessible to the public with fewer than 10 employees, and facilities operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and law enforcement agencies.
What constitutes workplace violence under SB553?
Workplace violence is defined as any act or threat of violence at a place of employment, including physical force, threats with weapons, and any action that causes injury, psychological trauma, or stress.
What must be included in a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)?
A Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) should include the responsible persons’ names or job titles, procedures for employee involvement, methods for coordinating with other employers, procedures for reporting and responding to violence, compliance procedures, communication methods, emergency response procedures, training procedures, hazard identification and correction methods, and post-incident response and investigation procedures.
Are there any training requirements under SB553?
Yes, employers must provide effective training covering the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP), reporting methods, workplace violence definitions and requirements, reporting mechanisms, specific workplace violence hazards, corrective measures, assistance strategies, and information on the violence incident log.
What are the recordkeeping requirements under SB553?
Employers must maintain records of workplace violence hazard assessments, violent incident logs, and workplace violence incident investigations for a minimum of five years.
How often must employers train their employees under SB553?
Employers must conduct initial training when the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)is first established and then provide annual training thereafter.
What should be recorded in the violent incident log?
The log should include the date, time, location of the incident, a detailed description, the type of violence, consequences of the incident, and the person completing the log entry.
Who can petition for temporary restraining orders under SB553?
Both employers and collective bargaining representatives can petition for temporary restraining orders on behalf of employees facing threats or violence.
What is the deadline for employers to comply with SB553?
Employers must ensure compliance by July 1, 2024.
Can the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) be a standalone document?
Yes, the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) can be a standalone document or included as a section in the employer’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).
How does SB553 define a “place of employment”?
A “place of employment” under SB553 is broadly defined as any location where work is performed, including those not accessible to the public.
Does SB553 cover incidents involving former employees?
Yes, it covers violence or threats from current or former employees, customers, clients, or visitors.
How can employees participate in developing the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)?
SB553 requires procedures allowing active employee involvement in developing and implementing the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). How they participate is company specific.
What does SB553 require regarding post-incident response?
Employers must have procedures for post-incident response and investigation to assess and address the situation effectively.
Are employers required to revise the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)?
Yes, employers must periodically review and revise the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP), especially after a workplace violence incident.
Does SB553 apply to teleworking employees?
It does not apply to employees teleworking from a location of their choice that is not under the employer’s control.
Can employees request copies of the violent incident log?
Yes, employees are entitled to view and copy the log within 15 calendar days of a request.
Where can I get additional guidance on Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)?
Contact Us to get support or request an Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). Our skilled team of EH&S specialists with extensive experience would be pleased to help you.
