SB 553 Summary

• Authorizes collective bargaining representatives to seek workplace violence restraining orders on behalf of employees starting January 1, 2025, requiring employers or representatives to first give affected employees an opportunity to decline being named in the order.

• Requires all employers to establish, implement, and maintain a written workplace violence prevention plan effective July 1, 2024, including hazard identification procedures, emergency response protocols, employee training, and incident investigation processes.

• Mandates employers maintain a violent incident log for every workplace violence incident and keep records of hazard identification, correction, training, and incident investigations for 1-5 years depending on record type.

• Requires employers to provide initial and annual training to employees on the workplace violence prevention plan, hazards specific to their jobs, reporting procedures, and strategies to avoid harm.

• Directs the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to propose workplace violence prevention standards by December 31, 2025, and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to adopt standards by December 31, 2026.