New CA Law Mandates Workplace Violence Prevention Plan by July 1st

Posted on April 22, 2024

What this means for your business and how eqHR Solutions can help.

California has enacted new legislation to establish safer work environments, requiring business owners to create Workplace Violence Prevention Programs. This legislation, which took effect on January 1, 2024, places additional responsibilities on employers to mitigate the risk of workplace violence through comprehensive prevention programs and increased employee training. Understanding the intricacies of this law and its implications is crucial for employers across the state— it might be beneficial to turn to an HR solutions & consultancy provider to ensure compliance.

The Purpose Behind the Law

The primary objective of the new California law is to enhance workplace safety and provide improved protection for workers. The programs are designed to identify and address potential threats before they escalate into harmful incidents. By proactively addressing workplace violence, employers can create a culture of safety and protect the well-being of their employees, customers, vendors, and visitors.

Key Requirements for Employers

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Risk Assessment: Employers must conduct thorough assessments to identify and evaluate the risk of workplace violence specific to their industry and workplace environment. This assessment should consider factors such as the nature of the work performed, previous incidents of violence, and the presence of any known risk factors.
Written Program: Employers must develop a written workplace violence prevention program that outlines policies, procedures, and protocols for preventing and responding to incidents of violence. This program should be tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of the workplace and clearly communicated to all employees. Are you unsure of whether you’re going to be compliant with this new law before July 1st? Reach out to a top HR solutions & consultancy company.
Training: Training is a crucial component of workplace violence prevention programs. Employers are obligated to provide training to employees and supervisors on recognizing the signs of potential violence, de-escalation techniques, and reporting procedures. Training should be ongoing and updated regularly to address evolving threats. For
Incident Reporting and Investigation: Employers must establish procedures for reporting and investigating incidents of workplace violence. Employees should feel empowered to report any concerns or incidents without fear of retaliation. Timely and thorough investigations are essential for addressing incidents effectively and implementing corrective measures.
Record-Keeping: Maintaining accurate records is essential for compliance with the law. Employers are required to document risk assessments, training activities, incident reports, and any corrective actions taken. These records serve as evidence of compliance and can be invaluable in the event of an incident or regulatory inspection.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the requirements of California’s new law can result in significant penalties for employers. Violations may lead to fines imposed by regulatory agencies and potential civil liability in the event of an incident resulting from negligence or inadequate prevention measures. According to Cal-Osha, the penalties can climb as high as $25,000 for violations classified as “serious” and as high as $153,744 for violations classified as “willful”. Therefore, it is imperative for employers to take proactive steps to ensure compliance with the law.

Get in Touch with an HR Solutions & Consultancy Provider

If you need assistance with preparing your organization’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan or if you have any questions about the new regulations, please get in touch with your advisor or reach out to eqHR Solutions directly at 855-461-8808.

Why Work with eqHR Solutions & Consultancy?

With our extensive expertise in HR solutions and comprehensive understanding of California labor laws, we offer tailored services designed to meet the specific needs of your organization. Our team of seasoned professionals will work closely with you to develop and implement a robust plan that not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also fosters a safe and secure work environment for your employees.