You might think your workplace is generally safe from physical threats, but a new law says that you need a formal strategy anyway. As a California employer, you usually have to create a customized framework to protect your team from potential harm. This requirement might seem overwhelming at first glance, but understanding the basic rules can help you prepare effectively.
Mandatory requirements for California employers
California law mandates that most businesses implement a site-specific protocol to handle threats. If you are one of the covered employers, you are required to draft and maintain a workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP). Additionally, the law requires you to maintain a violent incident log that records each workplace violence incident that occurs, including details such as when and where it happened, what type of violence occurred and whether the incident injured anyone. You should retain the violent incident log for at least five years and training records for at least one year.
A few employers and employees are exempt from these requirements, such as certain healthcare facilities, law enforcement agencies or remote workers who choose their own locations.
What your written workplace violence prevention plan must include
Your written document should outline specific procedures for identifying and correcting hazards that might endanger staff. It typically needs to detail how someone can report a threat without fearing retaliation. A solid policy usually includes clear emergency response guidelines to handle crises safely. Your written document must also include a clear post-incident investigation process to review what happened and prevent future issues.
Involving employees and conducting required training
The state expects you to include your workers when making these safety rules. You need to hold training sessions every year so everyone knows the plan. In this training, workers learn how to spot dangers and handle conflicts calmly. If you change the rules or find a new danger, state law requires you to provide extra training focused on those specific updates or hazards. Talking openly helps build a safe workplace where everyone feels supported.
How an attorney may help
Figuring out new state laws and writing a full safety plan can take a lot of time and effort. With the help of an attorney experienced in employment law, you can tackle the more confusing parts of the rules and create the actual documents required for the business.