Introduction
California has implemented robust legislation known as the Workplace Violence Prevention Act. This act mandates specific measures that employers must take to mitigate the risk of workplace violence and create a safe working environment for all employees. This is our initial communication on this sweeping new law, more to come soon.
Understanding the Workplace Violence Prevention Act
The Workplace Violence Prevention Act in California aims to prevent acts of violence and harassment in the workplace by imposing certain obligations on employers. The law requires employers to develop and implement a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) tailored to their specific workplace and industry. This plan must address various aspects of workplace safety, including risk assessment, prevention strategies, employee training, and incident response procedures.
Which Employers are Subject?
The law applies to most employers, but not all. Notably, it doesn’t apply to:
Employees teleworking from a location of the employee’s choice
Places of employment where fewer than 10 employees are working at the place at any given time and are not accessible to the public
Healthcare facilities operating under Cal/OSHA’s Violence Prevention in Health Care regulation
Law enforcement agencies.
Steps for Compliance
To comply with the Workplace Violence Prevention Act, employers must take several key steps:
Risk Assessment: Employers must conduct a thorough assessment of potential risks and hazards associated with workplace violence. This includes evaluating factors such as the nature of the work, the physical layout of the workplace, and any previous incidents of violence or harassment.
Development of WVPP: Based on the risk assessment findings, employers must develop a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan. This plan should outline strategies for preventing workplace violence, procedures for reporting incidents, and protocols for responding to emergencies.
Employee Training: Employers are responsible for providing training to employees on their WVPP and on recognizing and preventing workplace violence. Training sessions should cover topics such as identifying warning signs, de-escalation techniques, and reporting procedures. The training must be interactive.
Implementation and Review: Once the WVPP is developed, employers must ensure its effective implementation across the organization. Regular reviews and updates to the plan are essential to address any changes in the workplace environment or emerging threats.
Response: Employers must develop an effective incident response plan and detail initial actions the company will take during and after a workplace violence incident.
Continuous Improvement: Employers must describe the process of ongoing evaluation and monitoring to ensure the WVPP is up to date and effective according to changing workplace conditions and violence trends.
Recordkeeping: Employers will need to create a recordkeeping policy that includes records of incidents, assessments, changes and training. These records must be kept for 1- 5 years depending on the item.
Infinium HR's Solution
To assist our clients with creating their Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, Infinium HR will be offering WVPP template with guidance, instructions checklists and incident logs. This customizable template will provide a framework for developing a comprehensive WVPP tailored to your organization's needs and requirements. This template will be included in our service offering to clients with our HR services package and accessible to payroll only clients for a nominal upcharge.
We'll be releasing our Workplace Violence Prevention Plan template soon, click on the link below for more information and to get on the pre-order list.
Conclusion
As workplace violence continues to be a prevalent concern, it's imperative for employers to prioritize the safety and security of their employees. By understanding and complying with the Workplace Violence Prevention Act in California, businesses can create a safer and more productive work environment for everyone.
With the support of Infinium HR and our DIY template, employers can take proactive steps towards preventing workplace violence and fostering a culture of safety and respect.