Workplace Violence Prevention Programs Due July 1, 2024
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence is the second leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States, affecting nearly 2 million American workers annually. Governor Newsom signed SB 553 as a step in addressing workplace violence by requiring employers to implement and maintain protections for employees while at work. 
Workplace violence is defined as any act or threat of violence occurring in a workplace. It includes physical force leading to injury or trauma, incidents involving firearms or weapons, and various types of violence (categorized under Labor Code section 6401.9.)
Effective July 1, 2024, the majority of employers in California must implement or enhance their Violence Prevention Plan to be sure it includes the following:
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The names of persons responsible for implementing the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)
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Effective procedures for employee involvement in developing and implementing the plan.
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Procedures for the employer to handle and respond to reports of workplace violence.
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Prohibitions against employee retaliation.
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Accepting and responding to reports of workplace violence.
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Employee workplace violence training and communication.
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Procedures to ensure compliance from employees, including supervisors.
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Emergency response procedures.
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Workplace violence hazard assessments.
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A Violent Incident Log – which must include information on every workplace violence incident, even if the incident did not result in injury – and must be maintained for a minimum of five years.
