A major problem affecting Californians is workplace violence. Apart from hurting workers, it also makes the workplace a toxic environment, diminishes worker output, and could even cause legal disputes.
Recognizing this rising issue, California has passed Senate Bill 553 (SB 553). It’s a significant step toward guaranteeing the protection of California employees. Starting in July 2024, this law requires most companies to have a thorough workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP).
In this article, we’ll discuss what a workplace violence prevention plan entails and how Mosey can help you stay in line with business compliance.
What Constitutes Workplace Violence?
California Senate Bill 553 defines this term as any workplace act of violence or threat of harm. That covers more subdued acts like harassment, intimidation, and verbal abuse, in addition to more obvious forms of violence, including physical assault.
SB 553 acknowledges that the emotional toll of these crimes can be just as severe as physical injury. The act requires defense against all kinds of workplace violence. That’s because it is a common occurrence — almost 2 million American workers suffer from workplace violence annually.
Understanding the extent and forms of workplace violence can help you work toward building safer, better environments for your employees.
What Are the Provisions of California Senate Bill 553?
California Senate Bill 553 is a legal requirement. Except in select cases, all California companies have had to establish a workplace violence prevention plan since July 1, 2024. Consider it your company’s official playbook for handling and stopping workplace violence.
What Does a Good WVPP Look Like?
Your WVPP is meant to serve as a customized strategy for handling the particular risks your company comes up against. The basis is an exhaustive hazard analysis.
This analysis entails closely examining your workplace to find possible causes of violence, from a poorly lit parking lot to an industry-specific risk factor to dissatisfied workers. Once you know your risks, you can develop focused protocols to manage them.
Another essential element is clear and readily available reporting systems. Workers must feel confident reporting events and be free from concerns of retaliation. That requires building a culture of trust and making sure reports are given priority.
Your WVPP should also outline a reaction strategy should something happen. It might call for policies to maintain the workplace, offer medical aid, or conduct extensive inquiries.
Aim for Prevention
Training is key. Your WVPP must include regular training for every employee, including subjects like reporting events, de-escalation strategies, and spotting possible violence. It is vital to make this training interesting and pertinent to your specific workplace.
Employee participation is required by law under SB 553. Ultimately, your staff members are the ones most familiar with your work environment and can offer insightful analysis of risks and preventive measures.
Actively involving your team in the development and execution of your WVPP can help cultivate a sense of shared responsibility and produce a plan that is more likely to succeed.
How To Develop Your Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
Though it might seem like a daunting task, establishing a WVPP is a necessary investment in your employees’ safety and well-being.
These steps will point you in the right direction:
Assemble a Team
This step might call for supervisors, HR managers, safety guards, staff members from several divisions, and so on. The sheer variety of points of view will enable you to spot a wider spectrum of possible problems and create more solutions.
Conduct a Workplace Violence Hazard Analysis
This step entails examining your actual workplace, studying prior incidents (should they exist), and seeking staff comments.
Ask yourselves things like:
- Does security or illumination in any of these locations seem lacking?
- Have there recently been any threats or conflicts?
- Which possible hazards do staff members see?
Remember to include both internal and external elements, including interactions with customers or clients.
Develop Reporting Procedures
Once you have identified your risks, you should create policies for incident reporting and response. All employees should have easy access to these clearly defined procedures.
Make sure they understand who to report events to, how to document them, and what to anticipate in a follow-up. When an issue occurs, react swiftly and thoroughly.
Your procedures should cover helping the victim, evaluating the situation fairly and objectively, and standing by disciplinary action should it be taken.
Regularly Train
Frequent training is an important preventive step. Give every employee thorough instructions covering everything from dispute resolution to de-escalation tactics and warning indicators of possible violence.
This shouldn’t be a one-time occurrence; plan frequent refreshers and updates to keep workplace violence prevention in mind.
Encourage Open Communication
If staff members observe something troubling, encourage them to speak up; foster a culture in which concerns are taken seriously. Share your dedication to stopping workplace violence often, and make sure everyone understands their part in maintaining a courteous and safe workplace.
Remember, your WVPP should be routinely updated to represent changes in your company or new data on workplace violence. Following these guidelines and staying vigilant can help you make the workplace safer and more secure for everybody.
How To Ensure Compliance and Record-Keeping
Adherence to SB 553 protects your company and your staff. Keeping detailed records is a fundamental component of compliance and a useful tool for analyzing and preventing future incidents.
You must record each incidence of workplace violence in a violent incident log. This journal should contain specifics such as the occurrence’s date, time, location, a narrative of what happened, and any responses taken.
You should document an occurrence even if it doesn’t cause bodily harm. This helps you spot trends and track patterns before they become more serious.
Furthermore, track your hazard analyses, training courses, and any modifications you make to your WVPP. These records are proof of your dedication to compliance and may be helpful should a legal conflict arise.
Tools of the Trade
You don’t have to do this manually. Many applications can simplify record-keeping, enable event tracking, manage documents, and ensure compliance.
Search for a solution that fits the particular needs of SB 553 and is safe and easy to use. Mosey’s compliance management system can help you track important state-specific legislation like this. Using technology can help you save time and money and let you concentrate on building a safer and more effective workplace.
Additional Considerations and Resources
Different workplaces face different challenges. While a hospital might concentrate on calming frustrated patients, a late-night convenience store may be concerned about robberies.
Your WVPP should address your unique concerns, tailoring prevention and response strategies accordingly. For instance, a retail establishment may set up surveillance cameras and panic buttons, while a healthcare facility might provide employees instruction on identifying and controlling aggressive behavior.
Remember, you’re not by yourself. California provides many tools to help you design and implement a successful WVPP. The Cal/OSHA Consultation Service helps companies understand and follow workplace safety rules by offering free, private guidance.
They can help you evaluate workplace risks, create strategies, and provide employee training. Additionally, many web resources, trade groups, and attorneys can provide direction and encouragement.
Spending time creating a thorough WVPP goes beyond following the law. Instead, you invest in your staff, company, and peace of mind. Making workplace violence prevention a priority helps you build a secure and respectful culture where every worker can fully flourish.
The most successful WVPP is one that’s always changing. Review and update your strategy often, stay educated on best practices, and never stop working for a safer environment. By working together, we can eliminate workplace violence for good.
What Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About WVPP?
What Is a WVPP?
A WVPP is a documented policy detailing how your company will stop and handle workplace violence. California labor law mandates it.
What Does “Workplace Violence” Include?
Workplace violence covers threats, harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse, and physical attacks.
Why Do You Need a WVPP?
Most California companies legally must comply. It also keeps your staff safe and protects your business.
How Can You Establish a WVPP?
It’s easy — just follow these simple steps:
- Get a team together
- Perform a risk analysis
- Create reporting policies
- Provide employee training
- Encourage honest communication
You can read more details in our how-to section.
Where Can You Find Help?
Cal/OSHA offers free consultations. If you’re looking for a solution for your company’s greater compliance needs, Mosey could be the answer with compliance automation.
Mosey Can Help You Stay Compliant
Although California’s new regulations on workplace violence prevention sound complex, maintaining a safe and efficient workplace for your staff is easier than you think.
Mosey can serve as a reliable guide through the complicated rules of compliance. From easy registration and automated employee handbooks, Mosey can help manage all of your compliance tasks to safeguard your workforce and your business.
Never leave your employees’ safety to chance. Contact Mosey to learn more about how we can help create a safe and compliant workplace.
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