Compliance Snapshot
- Effective
- Enforceable July 1, 2024
- Training
- Initial and annual
- Extra training
- New hazards or plan changes
- Records
- Training records should be retained
What did SB 553 change?
California SB 553 added workplace violence prevention plan duties for many general industry employers. Cal/OSHA guidance says the requirements became enforceable on July 1, 2024.
The plan must be specific to the hazards and corrective measures for each work area and operation. Training must cover the employer's plan, reporting, hazards, records, and opportunities for interactive questions and answers.
What is the annual training rule?
Labor Code 6401.9 requires initial training when the plan is first established and annual training thereafter. Additional training is required when a new or previously unrecognized workplace violence hazard is identified or when plan changes are made.
Employers should not rely on a generic course alone. The training must connect to the employer's own workplace violence prevention plan and hazards.
Where National Course Portal fits
The Workplace Violence Prevention course can provide a practical awareness foundation for employees.
California employers should pair it with plan-specific training that explains the employer's written plan, incident log, hazard reporting, corrective measures, work-area risks, and who can answer employee questions.
Employer Checklist
- 1Confirm whether California SB 553 applies to the workplace.
- 2Create or update the written workplace violence prevention plan.
- 3Provide initial plan-specific training.
- 4Schedule annual training before each cycle expires.
- 5Provide additional training after new hazards or plan changes.
- 6Retain training records and violent incident log records.
FAQ
When did California SB 553 become enforceable?
Cal/OSHA guidance says the workplace violence prevention requirements became enforceable on July 1, 2024.
Is SB 553 training annual?
Yes. Labor Code 6401.9 requires initial training when the plan is first established and annually thereafter, plus additional training for new hazards or plan changes.
Can a generic workplace violence course satisfy SB 553?
A generic course can support awareness, but California employers need plan-specific training tied to their workplace violence prevention plan and hazards.
Official Sources
- Cal/OSHA: Workplace violence prevention guidance
- California Legislative Information: Labor Code 6401.9
This guide is general information for employer planning. It is not legal advice, and employers should confirm requirements with counsel, the regulator, or the requesting agency before relying on any course for a specific obligation.