Workplace Violence Law CA SB 553 and Insider Threat

A Landmark Law in Workplace Safety

In September 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill No. 553 into law, marking a significant milestone in workplace safety legislation. This law, the first of its kind in the United States, mandates that nearly all California employers implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). This groundbreaking legislation which took effect July 1, 2024 emphasizes a proactive approach to workplace safety and is setting a precedent that may influence future laws across the nation. We will also hold a webinar on Aug. 29th at 11 am EST to discuss the implications this bill will have outside of California for Insider Threat and Workplace Violence prevention programs. I encourage you to attend the webinar to get updated on this latest trendsetting bill.

What is SB 553?

In essence, SB 553 requires almost all California employers to identify responsible personnel, develop a comprehensive written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP), provide tailored workplace violence prevention training, and maintain a log of violent incidents, among other steps.

Key Components

The core of SB 553 lies in the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). Key elements of the WVPP include:

Identifying responsible personnel
Employee involvement
Defining key terms
Hazard identification and correction
Incident reporting mechanisms
Emergency response procedures
Employee training
Strict recordkeeping guidelines
Post-incident response and investigation
Regular plan review

Why SB 553 Matters to Insider Threat Programs

Workplace violence prevention is a critical element of insider threat programs: the US Department of Defense has included it in its definition of insider threat since 2018. The comprehensive requirements defined under CA SB 553 set a new, high bar for organizations giving all insider threat/insider risk teams — including those outside of California — a standard against which to benchmark their current programs to identify gaps and opportunities and drive increased maturity and effectiveness in reducing risks.

Why SB 553 Matters to Employers

With no grace period for compliance, the implications for employers are substantial, with potential fines ranging from $18,000 to $25,000 per violation by the California Occupational Health and Safety Administration (Cal/OSHA). Although these fines are severe, they are insignificant compared to the devastating consequences of a violent incident that could cause injury or death, along with the ensuing lawsuits, reputational harm, and loss of productivity for the organization.

A New Era in Workplace Safety

SB 553 represents a significant advancement in occupational safety standards in California, setting a new benchmark for workplace violence prevention. Its comprehensive and proactive approach not only protects employees, but also positions California as a leader in workplace safety. As this legislation takes effect, employers must prioritize compliance with the ultimate goal of a safer work environment for all employees.

Guest Author Matt Doherty, Managing Director at Sikich, is a nationally recognized expert in workplace violence prevention and former Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the National Threat Assessment Center.

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