| WVPP Reminder: It’s Time for Training! Can you believe that almost a year has passed since SB 553 went into effect on July 1, 2024 in California, requiring employers to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans? As a reminder, all California employers must provide training to employees on the employer’s plan: Whenever new hazards are identified Whenever the plan is changed, and On an annual basis. WVPP Employee Training Requirements The person conducting any of the WVPP trainings must be knowledgeable in the employer’s WVPP. The training must be customized to the specific workplace and any hazards present meaning a generic “off the shelf” training may not meet the requirements. The training materials and content used by the employer should also be appropriate for the educational level, literacy, and language of their employees. In other words, if you communicate with your workforce in a language other than English then the training materials and plan content should match that language. Training records must also be retained for a minimum of one year. The law also states that the training must cover specific definitions in Labor Code section 6401.9 as well as: The employer’s specific WVPP How an employee can obtain a copy of the employer’s plan How to report incidents of workplace violence and retaliation/reprisal protections Violence hazards specific to the employee’s job The corrective measures the employer has implemented to address hazards Strategies to avoid physical harm How to seek assistance to prevent or respond to violence How to obtain copies of records regarding hazard identification, evaluation and correction and training records The Violent Incident Log—what it is and how to obtain a copy. Employers can also include supplemental information such as: Defusing confrontations Escape plans Active shooter trainings Last year, we provided all Clients with WVPP training – either as a PowerPoint or a recorded video. You should use that same training (unless you’ve made any changes to your WVPP) and provide it to all employees again in July. If you have not created your plan yet, it’s time to do so ASAP! Employers who fail to comply with the requirements may be subject to penalties of up to $25,000 for serious violations and up to $158,727 for willful violations, so procrastination could prove to be expensive. For additional information, please call our office at (714) 799-1115 |
2025 Annual WVPP Training Due in July
07/23/2025
By: HR NETwork Inc
