If you haven’t heard, as of July 1, things have changed in the world of workplace violence (WPV) p
revention. Why is that date significant? It’s the day California Senate Bill 553 went into effect.
Signed into law last September, SB553 now requires employers across the Golden State “to develop and implement a workplace violence prevention plan.” That’s right. In California, at least, preparedness is now enforceable by law with noncompliance resulting in penalties up to $25,000.
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.
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 (NYRWSA) will make updated WPV prevention and planning efforts mandatory for most retail locations in New York beginning no later than June 2025.
Why retail? Well, for one, 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 NYRWSA 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.
With expertise including Run-Hide-Fight, active shooter preparedness and response, situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and more, The Power of Preparedness provides critical guidance that can save lives. Contact us to learn more.