As of July 1, 2024, things have changed in the world of workplace violence (WPV) prevention. That’s the day California Senate Bill 553 went into effect.
Signed into law in September 2023, SB553 now requires employers across the Golden State “to develop and implement a workplace violence prevention plan.” Preparedness is now enforceable by law with non-compliance resulting in penalties up to $25,000, not to mention potential lawsuits from workers or shoppers affected by workplace violence that could have been avoided or mitigated through compliance.
Led by San Jose State Senator Dave Cortese, SB553 became a possibility as a direct result of a 2021 WPV incident that took the lives of 10 people at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Inspired by the findings of the subsequent investigation and the response from a mourning constituency, Cortese took action. Now, just three years later, SB553 is a reality.
See the exact requirements and steps to comply with California SB-553.
Preparedness from Coast to Coast
As TPOP predicted, other states have begun getting on board with similar laws of their own. Introduced just last month, the New York Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA) will make updated WPV prevention and planning efforts mandatory for most retail locations in New York beginning no later than June 2025.
See the exact requirements and steps to comply with the New York Retail Worker Safety Act.
Why retail? Statistics show it’s a smart place to start. According to the FBI, more than half of active shooter incidents in 2021 occurred in places of commerce. Still, there’s work to be done. While RWSA requires improved preparedness in the retail sector, it doesn’t address safety concerns across scores of other industries. We think that may change, but exactly when is unclear.
To some, these new laws may sound like regulatory overreach, but the sentiment behind them is spot on: preparedness saves lives. Moreover, though California and New York businesses will incur costs associated with installing updated security and preparedness measures, the costs—from personnel loss and operational interruption to reputational damage, major litigation, and more—can be far greater for businesses that instead choose inaction.
Requirements for Compliance
Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements for each law and what businesses in California and New York need to do to comply.
California’s SB-553: Workplace Violence Prevention Requirements
California’s SB-553, effective July 1, 2024, mandates that all employers across industries create and implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan. This legislation follows high-profile incidents and is intended to minimize risk across various work environments.
Key Requirements:
- Violence Prevention Plan: Employers must establish a workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP) detailing risk factors, mitigation strategies, and employee training.
- Training Programs: Employees must receive training on identifying and responding to violence, conflict de-escalation, and evacuation procedures.
- Incident Reporting and Investigation: A clear system must be in place for reporting and investigating violent incidents.
- Security Assessments: Businesses are required to assess security risks regularly and update their safety protocols.
- Emergency Response Systems: Employers must implement an effective emergency response, including procedures for contacting law enforcement and medical assistance if needed.
How to comply with California SB-553:
- Develop a comprehensive WVPP covering assessment, response, and recovery strategies.
- Train employees regularly in violence prevention, situational awareness, and emergency protocols.
- Document all incidents and investigations as part of ongoing compliance with SB-553.
Read about TPOP’s one-stop solution for California compliance.
New York’s Retail Worker Safety Act: Protecting Retail Employees
Scheduled to take effect in June 2025, New York’s Retail Worker Safety Act (RW Safety Act) specifically addresses workplace violence in the retail sector, one of the highest-risk environments for violent incidents. The act targets retail businesses, requiring comprehensive safety and preparedness plans.
Key Requirements:
- Violence Prevention Program: Retail businesses must implement a violence prevention program tailored to store layout, operations, and risk factors.
- Employee Safety Training: Retail employees are to receive training on violence detection, de-escalation tactics, and emergency procedures.
- Panic Buttons or Alert Systems: Stores must install panic buttons or similar alert systems, allowing employees to summon help discreetly in dangerous situations. (The panic button requirement will likely be pushed back to 2027)
- Incident Log: Employers must maintain a log of workplace violence incidents, detailing the event and follow-up measures taken.
- Coordination with Law Enforcement: Businesses are encouraged to establish protocols for quick law enforcement response to violent incidents.
How to comply with the New York Retail Worker Safety Act:
- Develop a violence prevention program based on store-specific risks.
- Install security systems, including panic buttons or other alert mechanisms.
- Conduct regular training on identifying, preventing, and responding to violence.
- Maintain an accessible incident log and ensure effective reporting channels.
Read about TPOP’s one-stop solution for New York compliance.
The Power of Preparedness provides critical guidance to mitigate risk and save lives. Our company-wide online training is uniquely designed for more than a dozen industries and includes situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, Run-Hide-Fight active shooter preparedness and response, interacting with the homeless, and more. View all our courses here. We also offer a one-stop compliance solution to help businesses in California and New York comply with the new workplace violence prevention laws in those states. Contact us to learn more.