Workplace Violence Prevention Rules are Coming for California Employers
As the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) moves closer to finalizing its workplace violence prevention standard applicable to general industry, a new legislative proposal is looming that could mandate far-reaching workplace violence prevention requirements for California employers.
It’s no secret that workplace violence is becoming an increasingly common problem, not just in California, but across the country. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year. In California, workplace violence is a growing issue and employers need to take proactive steps to protect their employees and create a safe working environment.
The Cal/OSHA workplace violence prevention standard is intended to provide employers with a framework for addressing violence in the workplace. The proposed standard would require employers to take steps to prevent and protect against workplace violence, including risk assessment, training, and reporting requirements.
The pending legislative proposal, however, could supersede the Cal/OSHA standard. The proposed legislation, which has not yet been introduced, would require employers to adopt a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. The plan would include policies and procedures to identify and address potential workplace violence, and establish a process for responding to and reporting incidents.
The proposed legislation would also require employers to provide workplace violence prevention training to all employees. The training would include information on how to recognize signs of workplace violence, how to report incidents, and how to respond to an active shooter situation.
The proposed legislation would require employers to consult with employees when developing their workplace violence prevention plans. Employers would also be required to consult with labor organizations, as well as local law enforcement, fire, and health departments.
The proposed legislation is a step in the right direction, as it would ensure that employers in California take the necessary steps to protect their employees from workplace violence. It would also provide a solid framework for employers to follow when developing and implementing their workplace violence prevention plans.
For employers in California, the takeaway is this: The proposed workplace violence prevention legislation could be finalized soon. It’s important to start preparing now by assessing the risks in your workplace and developing a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan.
At the end of the day, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Taking steps to prevent and protect against workplace violence is an essential part of fulfilling that responsibility. The proposed legislation in California is a good start, and employers should take it seriously.
