FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What is Senate Bill 553 (SB553) and how does it affect us?
SB553 amends California Labor Code 6401.7 and adds code 6401.9, which goes into effect July 1st, 2024. It forces virtually every employer in California to implement a workplace violence prevention plan. This is the first law for any state that recognizes workplace violence as an occupational hazard that is regulated (CalOSHA).
Who must comply with Senate Bill 553 (SB553)?

Every public facing business or business with 10 or more employees with the exception of healthcare facilities, employers that comply with Section 3203 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, employers whose facilities are in compliance with Section 3203 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, Employers that are law enforcement agencies that are a “department or participating department,” as defined in Section 1001 of Title 11 of the California Code of Regulations and that have received confirmation of compliance with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Program from the POST Executive Director in accordance with Section 1010 of Title 11 of the California Code of Regulations, and employees teleworking from a location of the employee’s choice, which is not under the control of the employer.

What happens if I don’t comply with Senate Bill 553 (SB553)?
Employers who fail to comply with the new law may be subject to a $10,000 fine per violation, enhanced civil liability (employers now have constructive knowledge and duty around workplace violence which can lead to general damages awards), along with damage to reputation.
What must a workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP) establish, implement and maintain?
There are 13 requirements that a WVPP must have to be valid which include, but are not limited to; names and job titles of persons responsible for implementing the plan, effective procedures for active involvement from employees, methods to ensure effective training and reporting, development of training, procedures to correct identified hazards and procedures for post-incident investigation among other requirements.
What is required of the “effective” training for a valid workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP)?
Employers are required to provide effective training to employees when the plan is first implanted and annually thereafter, the training has 6 minimum requirements.
Can I or should I conduct my own workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP) training?
That depends on your qualifications and experience. SB553 requires “effective” training, which has not yet been clearly defined by the legislature. As an employer if a workplace violence incident occurs on your site, you could be responsible for articulating why the training you provided was effective in a civil action or to CalOSHA.
What records are required to be created by Senate Bill 553 (SB553) and how long shall they be maintained?
Workplace Violence Prevention Plan to be reviewed annually, in writing and available to all employees.

Records of hazard identification, evaluation and correction shall be created and maintained for five years.

Training records shall be created and maintained for one year and include training dates, contents of training, names and qualifications of persons conducting training, and names and job titles of those attending the training session.

Violent incident logs shall be maintained for five years.

Post incident response and investigation results shall be maintained for five years and shall NOT include any medical information.

Do I have to have a workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP) for each work site?
An employer may have a WVPP policy for the entire organization, but each will likely have different risks and hazards. If this is the case that work site will need to have a WVPP and/or training specific to those specific risks and hazards.
Can the workplace violence prevention plan be included in the existing the injury and illness prevention plan (IIPP)?
Yes, it can be, but it is not recommended. This new law requires annual review and annual effective training with a whole host of new record keeping requirements. It is our strong recommend that it is separate, although it is legally possible for it to be integrated into an existing IIPP.
Why would I use TOP Safety LLC for my Senate Bill 553 (SB5553) compliance over others?
TOP Safety LLC has created a tip to tail compliance package that allows businesses to become in compliance with this new law in an easy and affordable way. At this point there are no other competitors that are offering similar compliance packages that are both effective and cost efficient in a scalable way.
Do you offer an enterprise option?

Yes! We call our enterprise option “Train the Trainer”. We’ll equip members of your team to administer training to employees. This gives larger organizations the flexibility to train groups of employees. Schedule a call to learn more.

When is the deadline for being compliant with the law?

July 1st, 2024

What are the penalties for not being compliant?
  • Fines ranging from $18-25k by CalOSHA
  • Potential liability to employees for unsafe work environments

Improve safety for your employees and ensure compliance with SB 553

90% of employees report feeling safer at work

A safe environment for employees is one of the top priorities self-reported in recent surveys. Investing in training not only brings your organization into compliance with SB 553 but helps create a safe environment.

Employees can learn at their own pace.

Track employee progress as they complete modules and progress through their training. Training courses include videos so employees can learn from our experts.

Our instructors have unmatched experience

With several decades of real world security and law enforcement experience – our team has the knowledge to ensure your employees feel prepared and safe for any situations that can arise in the workplace or elsewhere.

Why Choose TOPsafety™ for
SB553 Training & Compliance?

Automated for Small Business*

Get your workplace violence prevention plan, train employees, and more without needing a consultant.

Backed by Experience

Our courses are designed by experts with real-world experience and more than a decade of training.

Transparent Pricing

Our courses and training are transparently and affordably priced so you know exactly what you’re getting.

*For businesses under 100 employees.

Have more than 100 employees?
Schedule a call for a custom plan.

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