Compliance Reminder: Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Deadline

Ensuring Compliance and Cultivating a Safe Company Culture

As a small business owner, you’re familiar with the challenges of juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, including your Human Resource Department. With Cal-OSHA’s upcoming July 1, 2024 deadline for all Workplace Violence Prevention Plans (WVPP),  When you’re focused on growth and scaling, some crucial aspects can often feel overwhelming. Yet, creating a safe and compliant workplace is non-negotiable. One key area to address is implementing a robust Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP).

Understanding the Importance of a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan

Workplace violence can affect any business, regardless of size or industry. A comprehensive WVPP not only ensures compliance with regulations such as Cal-OSHA but also fosters a safe and positive company culture. By proactively addressing potential threats, you protect your employees and your business from the devastating impacts of workplace violence.

The Four Types of Workplace Violence

To effectively prevent workplace violence, it’s essential to understand the four types identified by Cal-OSHA:

Type I: Criminal Intent

The perpetrator has no legitimate relationship to the business or its employees and typically enters the workplace to commit a crime, such as robbery, theft, or vandalism. An example would be a robber attacking a cashier during a heist.

Type II: Customer/Client

The perpetrator is a customer, client, patient, student, inmate, or any other individual who receives services from the business or organization. The violence typically occurs during the course of normal duties. For instance, a patient attacking a nurse in a healthcare setting.

Type III: Worker-on-Worker

The perpetrator is a current or former employee who attacks or threatens another employee or former employee. This type of violence often relates to disputes between workers. An example would be an employee threatening or physically harming a co-worker due to a workplace conflict.

Type IV: Personal Relationship

The perpetrator has a personal relationship with the victim, such as a spouse, intimate partner, or family member, and the violence spills over into the workplace. This can include domestic violence situations where an abusive partner comes to the workplace to harass or harm their partner.

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Workplace Violence

When workplace violence is not addressed, it can lead to severe consequences, including legal liabilities, increased absenteeism, and diminished employee morale. These issues directly impact your bottom line. Investing in a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan not only helps mitigate these risks and demonstrates your commitment to employee safety, it is legally required.

Compliance Deadline and Benefits Beyond Compliance

Cal-OSHA requires businesses to have a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in place by July 1, 2024. Meeting this deadline is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure your business is compliant with state regulations. There are a couple of important steps to a full plan, including employer and employee responsibilities, as well as training requirements.

However, the benefits of a WVPP extend far beyond compliance. A well-implemented WVPP builds confidence in your ability to lead and protect your employees, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

How Our Professional HR Services Can Help

Our goal at New Frontier is to help the business owner stay compliant. We specialize in guiding small business owners from feeling stuck to scaled success. Our 4M process—Mindset, Management, Marketing, and Money—ensures that we tackle every aspect of your business growth. Our HR consulting services, a crucial part of the Management phase, are designed to help you implement effective solutions like the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan. As fractional HR experts, we give your business the answers it needs, when it needs them, without the costly overhead.

“The training provided by New Frontier was incredibly effective. It gave us practical tools to handle and implement. Our team now feels more confident and prepared.”

Taking Action: From Compliance to Confidence

Implementing a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan is more than just a regulatory requirement; it’s a strategic move to boost your confidence as a leader. When your employees see that you are committed to their safety, it cultivates trust and loyalty, enhancing overall company culture and productivity.

Take the First Step Towards a Safer Workplace

Don’t let the complexities of HR compliance and workplace safety overwhelm you. Let our team of certified Lean Six Sigma professionals guide you through implementing an effective Workplace Violence Prevention Plan. We work in your business so you can work on your business.

Ready to take your business from stuck to scaled? Schedule a call with one of our HR professionals today and let’s build a safer, more productive workplace together.

By focusing on creating a compliant and positive company culture, you not only protect your business but also lay the foundation for sustainable growth. Invest in a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and see the difference it makes.