Workplace Violence Prevention Program

California Senate Bill 553

California SB 553 caused the California Labor Code Section 6401.9 to be enacted.

The labor code requires that starting July 1, 2024, the majority of employers in California must establish, implement, and maintain a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan that includes the following elements:

  • Prohibiting employee retaliation
  • Accepting and responding to reports of workplace violence
  • Employee workplace violence training and communication
  • Emergency response
  • Workplace violence hazard assessments
  • Other requirements, such as maintaining a Violent Incident Log

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence affects nearly 2 million American workers annually, and is the second leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States.

Reporting Workplace Violence

Members of the University community who witness or perceive an act of violence or a threat of violence on campus may report that incident of workplace violence or other workplace violence concern using one of the following methods:

  • Call 911 (when safe to do so).

  • Text UPD through the RAVE GUARDIAN app. This can also be submitted anonymously.

  • Notify their supervisor, lead, or appropriate administrator.

  • Submit a safety/action suggestion form to environmental health and safety which can be found here: https://risksafety.humboldt.edu/safety-suggestionaction-form.

  • Submit a referral to the campus threat assessment team through the campus complaints form https://reporting.humboldt.edu/.The University strictly prohibits any retaliation for reporting an instance of workplace violence. Any member of the University community who retaliates against someone for reporting an incident is subject to discipline, including and up to dismissal, non-retention, expulsion and/or removal from campus.

Resource Links

Cal/OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention Information Website

Division Links