California Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
Since July 1, 2024, most California employers must establish, implement and maintain a written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, keep a violent incident log, and train employees (Labor Code 6401.9, added by SB 553). Exemptions include places with fewer than 10 employees at any time that are not open to the public and comply with the IIPP.
As of 2026-11-11, Cal/OSHA's general-industry workplace violence prevention regulation (8 CCR 3343) has not been adopted; Labor Code 6401.9 is the enforceable requirement and has applied since July 1, 2024. Labor Code 6401.9(h) requires the Standards Board to adopt a standard by December 31, 2026. When it is adopted, review this plan against it.
Industry presets
- Dental officeNot covered by the 8 CCR 3342 health-care exemption (that covers hospitals and specific health-care operations).
- Salon / spa / tattoo studioIf everyone is a booth renter with no employees, the plan does not apply.
- Med spa / outpatient clinicOutpatient clinics and med spas are not hospitals; do not assume the 3342 exemption.
- Retail storePublic-facing store with cash handling.
- Office (not open to the public)May be exempt under (b)(2)(F) if fewer than 10 employees and IIPP-compliant.
- Other / start blankNo prefilled answers.
What the plan covers
Each element is tied to the provision that requires it.
| Element | Citation |
|---|---|
| Scope and exemptions | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(b) |
| Written, accessible at all times, specific to each work area and operation | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(1) |
| Persons responsible for implementing the plan and their roles | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(A) |
| Active involvement of employees and authorized representatives | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(B) |
| Coordination with other employers | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(C) |
| Accepting and responding to reports; no retaliation | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(D) |
| Employee compliance with the plan | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(E) |
| Communication with employees about workplace violence | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(F) |
| Emergency response: alerts, evacuation/sheltering, obtaining help | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(G) |
| Procedures to develop and provide training | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(H) |
| Identifying and evaluating hazards, including scheduled inspections | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(I) |
| Correcting hazards in a timely manner | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(J) |
| Post-incident response and investigation | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(K) |
| Reviewing and revising the plan (at least annually) | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(L) |
| Additional requirements of the division and Standards Board | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(c)(2)(M), (h) |
| Violent incident log | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(d) |
| Training | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(e) |
| Recordkeeping and employee access to records | Cal. Labor Code 6401.9(f) |
Official sources: Labor Code 6401.9 · Cal/OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention in General Industry · Cal/OSHA model plan
Not legal advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA, the U.S. Department of Labor, or Cal/OSHA. OSHA Paperwork explains the rules and cites them; it does not decide them for you. Official free forms: https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/forms and https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/recordkeeping/