California updates draft workplace violence prevention rule

California's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board released a revised discussion draft of its proposed workplace violence prevention rule for general industry.

The updated draft better defines employer responsibilities under the state’s workplace violence prevention law, including:

• Written prevention plans,
• Employee involvement,
• Hazard assessments,
• Emergency response procedures,
• Training,
• Post-incident investigations, and
• Methods for correcting workplace violence hazards.

Since July 1, 2024, California employers have been required to create and maintain Workplace Violence Prevention Plans. This proposed regulation would establish a formal Cal/OSHA standard that builds on those requirements.

Following the close of the comment period on August 17, the Standards Board will begin the formal rulemaking process. State law requires adoption of the final rule by December 31, 2026.