WVPP Written Plan - 3 Compliance Tips

SB 553’s July 1 deadline has passed, but employers still need to be sure they have a written plan in place and have completed training on Workplace Violence Prevention. Cal-OSHA states that there is no grace period, but it would be better to be in compliance than in defiance of the law.

We’ve got the training online or in a video format which covers information about risk factors, threat levels, how to respond, and information from Cal-OSHA, NIOSH, and the Department of Homeland Security about how to react in an emergency.  We also have a template to guide your discussions with employees about the plan.  Another mandate is to solicit questions to be answered by a person knowledgeable about the plan. 

With the Written Plan, here are a few pointers to include or communicate with employees.

(1)   The plan is not intended to be a top-down policy.  For example, an out-of-state headquarters should not create the plan and ask California staff to implement it.  Multiple sites should have a local employee listed as a person responsible, and include any site-specific information regarding security and emergency response.  A cross-functional safety team can be a good way to ensure people across the organization are engaged in the prevention and response process.

(2)   Instructing employees to dial 911 might be the right decision, but sometimes it might be better to call the local police department.  911 calls often go to the California Highway Patrol for dispatch.  If you determine that the local police is a better option, instruct staff to put the local number in their phones so in case of emergency they can easily find the number and call local police.  Also post your address and request that employees enter the address of your location in their phones to assist the dispatcher in locating the emergency. Typically a cell phone call can be traced to a location, but additional details can be helpful.

(3)   Provide multiple ways for employees to access the Written Plan.  Print it up and put it in a binder in common areas (reception, lunch room, etc.) Email it out to all staff.  Post it on the organization’s shared drive.  The Written Plan is meant to be updated and refined as new procedures are put in place.  Re-distribute the plan if any changes are made. 

These steps will ensure that your plan reflects appropriate engagement with employees and procedures to follow.  Contact us if you have any questions about your Written Plan or the training.