Senate Bill 553 (SB 553) is a California law aimed at making workplaces safer by requiring employers to actively prevent and respond to workplace violence. The law took effect on July 1, 2024. It was enacted because of the rising concern over workplace assaults, threats, and dangerous behavior across various industries.
Lawmakers recognized that employers needed standard rules to protect workers and keep detailed records of violent incidents. In the event you were injured due to a workplace violence, contact our work injury lawyer in Los Angeles today for a free case consultation.
Who Must Comply With SB 553?
Almost all California workplaces fall under SB 553, but there are important exceptions. The law was designed to apply broadly, covering offices, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and most other private workplaces.
However, some categories of employers are exempt and do not have to follow the new requirements. Some exemptions include healthcare facilities that are governed by other laws, corrections and law enforcement facilities, small closed worksites with less than 10 employees physically present at any time if it is not open to the public, and most remote workers.
What Does SB 553 Require Employers to Do?
Under SB 553, employers are required to:
- Create and Maintain a Written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP): This document describes specific policies and procedures for identifying, preventing, and responding to workplace violence.
- Train Employees on Workplace Violence Prevention: Workers must be educated on recognizing warning signs, reporting threats, and what steps to take if violence occurs.
- Investigate Incidents and Threats: Employers must thoroughly examine every incident or credible threat and track what actions were taken.
- Maintain Violent Incident Logs and Records: Detailed incident reports and logs must be created, kept up to date, and made available for employees or regulators to review.
- Correct Workplace Hazards: If any hazard or threat could lead to violence, the employer has a duty to fix it right away.
What Counts as Workplace Violence?
SB 553 defines workplace violence broadly. Incidents include physical assaults, verbal threats, harassment that escalates into threats or intimidation, violence from customers, clients, or visitors, abuse from co-workers, and acts of domestic violence that follow someone into the workplace.
How Does SB 553 Affect Injured Workers?
Under this law, companies must implement concrete violence prevention measures and keep detailed records of all incidents, including threats, reports, and safety responses. For someone injured on the job due to violence, this means there is now a clear paper trail that can show what the employer knew and what they did about potential risks.
The required documentation makes it easier for employees to support and prove their claims, as there will be logs of incidents, written workplace violence prevention plans, and records of any training provided. If your employer ignored warnings or failed to take proper action, these records may serve as powerful evidence of negligence.
Ultimately, by documenting your injury and your employer’s response, you strengthen your case for compensation and any investigation that may follow.
What Happens if an Employer Violates SB 553?
Failing to comply with SB 553 can have serious consequences for employers. California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has the authority to investigate complaints, inspect workplaces, and issue citations when employers fail to meet the law’s requirements.
Violations may occur when an employer fails to create a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, does not provide required employee training, ignores reports of threats or violence, or fails to maintain required incident logs and records. Depending on the circumstances, employers may face fines and other penalties.
For injured workers, evidence of noncompliance can be important. If an employer failed to address known safety concerns or ignored prior incidents, those failures may become relevant during a workers’ compensation claim or any investigation that follows a workplace violence incident.
Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits After a Workplace Violence Incident?
Yes, injuries resulting from workplace violence are eligible for workers’ compensation in California, just like other work-related injuries. Benefits may be provided if you experience physical injuries or psychological injuries.
You should be entitled to coverage for medical care, wage replacement, and temporary or permanent disability benefits if needed. If an employer doesn’t follow SB 553 requirements, they can face Cal/OSHA penalties and possible lawsuits.
What Evidence Can Help Support a Workplace Violence Injury Claim?
Strong documentation is vital for a workplace violence injury claim. The right evidence makes it easier to prove that violence occurred at work, shows the full impact, and strengthens your case when communicating with your employer, insurer, or the authorities.
Incident Reports
Filing a detailed incident report with your employer or supervisor immediately after the event helps track what happened and when. This formal record puts your employer on notice and preserves important information.
Witness Statements
Saying what happened isn’t always enough, so getting witness statements can be extremely valuable. Coworkers or anyone else who saw the violence can provide accounts that strengthen your claim and back up your narrative if a dispute arises.
Photo and Video Evidence
Photos of injuries, the area where the event happened, or any resulting property damage give a visual account of the facts. Available security or surveillance video can offer objective evidence about what happened.
Medical Records
Seeing a doctor promptly creates medical documentation directly linking your injuries to the workplace event. These records also show the seriousness and type of physical or psychological harm you suffered.
Employer’s Records and Logs
Your employer is now legally required under SB 553 to maintain logs and records of workplace violence incidents. Access to these reports, past complaint files, or the company’s workplace violence prevention plan may reveal a history of problems or preventive steps the company took or failed to take.
By gathering and saving every piece of related evidence as early as possible, you give yourself the best chance of filing a successful claim for compensation.
If you have been injured due to violence at work and have questions about your rights, contact our workplace accident lawyer in Los Angeles today for help by setting up a free consultation.