On average, 1.3 million nonfatal violent crimes in the workplace occur annually (Harrell et al., 2022). That shocking number further highlights the need for solutions to prevent workplace violence. Senate Bill 553 introduces workplace safety measures aimed at preventing violence in the workplace. That’s big news considering that when a state like California enacts legislation, it often sets a precedent for the rest of the country. 

What Is the SB 553 Law in California?

California Senate Bill 553 introduces a new legal framework that mandates most California employers to implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. This law, effective July 1, 2024, was created to improve workplace safety and reduce incidents of violence across all types of workplaces.

When a state like California leads in labor law reform, other states often follow – making California SB 553 a potential model for broader workplace reform.

Who Is Affected by SB 553?

This law applies to most California employers with 10 or more employees. However, there are clear exemptions, including:

• Healthcare facilities already regulated under Cal/OSHA’s existing standards
• Workplaces with fewer than 10 employees that are not accessible to the public

Not sure who is not covered by SB 553? If your workplace doesn’t fall into one of these categories, you're likely required to comply – even if your headquarters are outside of California.

Workplace Violence Prevention Law: Key SB 553 Requirements

Under California Labor Code Section 6401.9, employers must develop and implement a workplace violence prevention program with several core components.

1. Establish a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)

Employers must create a written WVPP – short for workplace violence prevention plan – as part of their existing Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). The plan must include:

• Job titles of individuals responsible for oversight
• Methods for employee involvement and collaboration
• Coordination with law enforcement agencies and third-party employers
• Confidential incident reporting procedures with anti-retaliation protections
• Emergency response protocols and corrective actions

A Cal/OSHA WVPP template is available to help guide employers through compliance.

2. Maintain a Violent Incident Log

Under SB 553, a “log” refers to documentation of all workplace violence incidents. The violent incident log must include:

• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Description and type of workplace violence
• Any action taken, including coordination with law enforcement

Employers must keep this log current and accessible to Cal/OSHA inspectors. It plays a critical role in identifying recurring workplace violence hazards and guiding preventive measures.

3. Provide Effective Employee Training

Employee training is another major requirement. Employers must conduct:

• Initial and annual training for all staff
• Additional training when new hazards or significant changes occur
• Training sessions on de-escalation, incident response, and post-incident procedures

Training records must be maintained and available upon request.

Additional SB 553 Requirements for California Employers

In addition to the main components, SB 553 mandates:

• Full integration with your existing IIPP
• Readiness for incident investigations and response
• Protocols for requesting and enforcing restraining orders
• Applicability to on-site and remote (teleworking) roles
• Accessible documentation for employee review

These provisions reflect Cal/OSHA's commitment to enhancing occupational safety across California workplaces.

Non-Compliance with SB 553: What’s at Stake?

Failing to meet SB 553 requirements can result in significant citations and penalties:

• $16,131 minimum for serious violations
• Up to $161,323 for willful or repeated violations

Non-compliance can damage more than your budget – it erodes trust, safety, and workplace culture. Prevent fines and protect your team by acting before the effective July deadline.

How FaceUp Makes SB 553 Compliance Easy

FaceUp’s platform helps California employers navigate SB 553 with ease. Our solution is designed for full compliance and employee protection.

• Custom WVPP Development

Create a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan aligned with IIPP and Cal/OSHA standards.

• Secure Reporting

Offer employees a confidential, anonymous way to report incidents, with built-in protections against fear of retaliation.

• Centralized Violent Incident Logging

Maintain a digital, searchable violent incident log for real-time visibility and analysis.

• Streamlined Employee Training

Deliver and track mandatory employee training programs, record completion, and provide updated content as new hazards emerge.

FaceUp Makes SB 553 Compliance Easy

Employers can simplify compliance by using FaceUp’s specialized software to manage the complexities of SB 553. Our platform offers solutions that help organizations stay compliant by providing a secure, anonymous way for employees to report incidents of workplace violence. FaceUp is a fully-featured platform that includes specific tools to meet SB 553 requirements: 

Tailored Plan Development: FaceUp facilitates the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of a personalized workplace violence prevention plan, ensuring it aligns with existing Injury and Illness Prevention Plans. Our platform allows for the identification of responsible personnel and seamless coordination with other stakeholders, streamlining the planning process.

Clear Reporting Procedures: With FaceUp, reporting workplace violence incidents is simplified through clear procedures embedded within the platform. Employees can easily report incidents while measures to prevent retaliation are in place, fostering a culture of transparency and safety.

Violent Incident Logging: Our software provides a centralized repository for maintaining meticulous records of all workplace violence incidents. Detailed entries, including date, time, location, and incident description, are logged, facilitating trend analysis and identification of improvement areas.

Employee Training Resources: FaceUp offers resources for training, as well as space for your company to share specific materials covering incident recognition, de-escalation strategies, and post-incident procedures. Combined, these ensure that all employees will be well-equipped to handle workplace violence situations effectively.

Stay Ahead of SB 553 Compliance – Act Now

California’s SB 553 law is more than just a regulatory requirement – it’s a vital move toward safer, more transparent workplaces. With the July 1, 2024, deadline in effect, employers must act fast to avoid penalties, reduce risk, and build a culture of safety.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – book a demo today and see how FaceUp can help you stay compliant and protect your team.