Are you ready for California’s SB 553 on workplace violence? Part 2
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April 4, 2024 - In part one we explore some of the key aspects of the California Senate Bill 553 (SB 553) code changes, including the requirement for organizations to implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention.
Now, we explore the importance of active employee participation and implications of non-compliance.
Employee involvement
Actively involving employees and their representatives in this process is essential. Cal/OSHA recognizes that frontline employees often have valuable insights into potential risks and effective mitigation strategies.
Promoting a collaborative culture and engaging employees enhances the effectiveness of these prevention efforts. However, implementing active involvement in plan development, training, hazard evaluation, correction, and incident reporting/investigation can be a cumbersome task.
Clear communication is required to gather and incorporate employee input while maintaining a rapid response to achieve compliance by July 1 and address time-sensitive incidents.
Strategies to facilitate employee involvement include:
- Forming committees (safety or specialty).
- Conducting forums.
- Providing shared platforms for reviewing draft documents and procedures.
- Allowing employees to comment and contribute.
- Providing employees with workplace violence records of the hazard evaluation, training, and incident logs upon request.
Training
Beyond the basics and theory of workplace violence prevention, the code changes mandate training on job-specific hazards, corrective actions, and procedures. Supervisor training can help customize the employer's hazard evaluation, remedial procedures, and job aids for each role, unit, and location. These job aids communicate and document details to affected staff, providing knowledge and resources for effective incident response.
Employees can receive this training on recognizing warning signs, de-escalation techniques, and emergency procedures through online and in-person sessions. To build trust in the plan, the system, and management, the training needs to be approached sensitively and involve a mechanism to receive and address any chronic issues that are reported.
Enforcement and penalties
Noncompliance with SB 553 empowers state agencies to enforce harsh penalties on violating employers. This incentivizes employers to swiftly comply not only to avoid penalties but critically, to safeguard employee safety and well-being.
SB 553 represents a significant milestone in California's efforts to address workplace violence. By mandating the implementation of comprehensive prevention plans, the legislation sends a clear message that the safety of workers is non-negotiable.
Get more information
Read more from Kerri in Shielding the workforce: Workplace violence prevention. Watch out for the upcoming insights paper Workplace violence prevention: What have we learned? For further health, safety, and well-being insights, read Getting a true picture of your workplace well-being by David Natalizia. Find out more about BSI Consulting’s health, safety, and well-being services.
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