Governor Newsom Signs Into Law Comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Legislation

On September 30, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) No. 553, which requires virtually every California employer to take certain steps to prevent or respond to workplace violence. The new law adds Section 6401.9 to the Labor Code and goes into effect on July 1, 2024.

Quick Hits

• On September 30, 2023, Governor Newsom signed into law SB 553, establishing new workplace violence prevention standards in California.
• The law requires employers to develop workplace violence prevention plans as part of their injury and illness prevention programs.

The law requires employers to implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan with very specific components and procedures. The law also requires employers to:

• record violent workplace incidents or threats in a violent incident log;
• provide effective training to all employees; and
• maintain records related to the workplace violence prevention plan.

California employers preparing for the new law’s requirements are invited to join us for our upcoming webinar, “California’s New Workplace Violence Law and Cal/OSHA’s Expected Enforcement,” on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EDT) / 11:00 a.m. to noon (PDT). The speakers, Karen F. Tynan and Robert C. Rodriguez, will review SB 553 and its very specific requirements. Register here.

Ogletree Deakins’ Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on the firm’s California and Workplace Safety and Health blogs as additional information becomes available.

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