Workplace Violence Prevention

Are you prepared to comply with the workplace violence prevention requirements of SB 553?

California employers are now required to implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan under SB 553. The law requires organizations to identify and evaluate workplace violence hazards across work areas, operations, and job functions and implement a written plan that addresses identified risks.

Many organizations already have security policies and procedures in place. However, SB 553 introduces specific requirements for hazard evaluation, documentation, training, and prevention planning that must be formally implemented. To prevent and mitigate crime, including workplace violence, security strategies must be implemented to detect, deny, and respond appropriately.

Kolins Security Group helps organizations evaluate vulnerabilities, assess workplace violence risks, and implement security controls that support compliance and strengthen overall workplace safety.

Identification of Assets

While SB 553 requires employers to identify and evaluate workplace violence hazards, effective security assessments also begin with identifying key assets, including people, property, and information.

Understanding these assets helps organizations develop mitigation strategies that detect, delay, and respond to potential threats such as workplace violence. Some risk factors are widely recognized across industries, while others are specific to an organization’s environment, operations, or workforce.

A Workplace Violence Vulnerability Assessment evaluates your workplace environment, identifies potential risk factors, and recommends mitigation strategies that complement existing administrative, technical, and security controls.

Many organizations view workplace violence prevention as strictly an internal issue, but risks often extend beyond internal operations. Workplace violence incidents frequently involve criminal intent (Type 1 incidents), particularly in environments with public access or external interaction.

Understanding these risks and addressing vulnerabilities allows organizations to implement stronger prevention strategies. Effective programs typically combine risk assessments, security controls, clear reporting procedures, employee participation, and ongoing education such as situational awareness training.

Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Requirements

California employers are required to implement a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan under SB 553. While this requirement is specific to California, organizations across the country are increasingly implementing similar risk management practices to strengthen workplace safety.

Below is a breakdown of the core SB 553 workplace violence prevention planning cycle and key considerations for compliance.

SB 553 Workplace Violence Plan Requirements Cycle and Considerations

How do you evaluate your training?
Communication to staff/management?
How do you document the event(s)?
Who is responsible for this compliance cycle?

Have you conducted a specific job WPV Vulnerability Assessment?
Have you trained management and employees to identify WPV?
Do you have a planned and effective communication strategy?
Are Detection of delay measures in place?

Do you have the capability to secure the required new documentation?
Do you have an established timeline process?
What security, technical, and administrative processes are in place to prevent further WPV during this period?

Are there people and a process in place from the receipt of the claim?
Do you have a Threat Management Team or Threat Assessment Team with key stakeholders?
Do you understand your security controls to elevate detection and awareness?
What training does staff have to investigate WPV?

Hover over me!

Kolins Security Group helps organizations improve awareness and compliance with Workplace Violence Prevention (WPV) by developing customized plans that identify known and potential risks related to job functions, operations, and workplace environments.

Our team of certified and experienced security professionals provides workplace violence assessments, comprehensive security vulnerability assessments, policy development, training, and consulting services to help organizations prevent, prepare for, and respond to workplace violence incidents.

Schedule your WPV assessment with Kolins Security Group today to help ensure your organization is prepared, compliant, and protected.

There are 4 different types of Workplace Violence

Type 1: Criminal Intent – No Legitimate Relationship to the Worksite:

Involves individuals with no legitimate connection to the worksite, committing crimes such as active assailant incidents. Recognizing and understanding your vulnerabilities is essential for workplace safety and security.

Type 2: Customer/Client – Anyone Who Receives a Service from the Organization:

Violence stemming from customers or clients can occur when they receive services from the organization.

Type 3: Worker on Worker – Former or Current:

Workplace violence between current or former employees can include disputes, conflicts, or harassment.

Type 4: Personal Relationship

Violence arising from personal relationships involves incidents where an employee’s personal issues spill into the workplace.

Workplace violence prevention is a legal requirement under California SB 553.