On March 5, 2024, Cal/OSHA, the state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, released a much-anticipated model Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) for employers providing a framework for employers to develop and implement their own WVPPs. This follows the passage of Senate Bill 553 in 2023, which mandated the creation and implementation of these plans by nearly all California employers by July 1, 2024.
Next Steps
With the implementation deadline approaching, California employers should:
- Review the Cal/OSHA model WVPP and become familiar with the required elements of a WVPP.
- Identify potential risks specific to their workplace.
- Establish clear reporting procedures.
- Provide training for employees on recognizing and responding to warning signs and develop a response plan for violent incidents.
- Adapt the model plan to fit your specific workplace and industry.
- Ensure everyone understands their role in preventing and responding to workplace violence and how to utilize the company’s WVPP.
- Establish a process for maintaining documentation of incidents, training and planning for updates.
Cal/OSHA has released a dedicated webpage with the model WVPP and fact sheets to help employers navigate this new requirement.
