We’re sharing a brief update on California’s Workplace Violence Prevention law (SB 553) and what it means for your organization in 2026.
While you may have been compliant in 2025, new definitions and requirements have come online that may not be covered in your compliance planning. We want to be sure you’re aware of these amended requirements and have the opportunity to review your policies to remain in compliance.
Where Things Stand With SB 553
Cal/OSHA held its most recent advisory committee meeting in November 2025 to continue refining the permanent regulatory standard (Title 8, Section 3343). That draft standard is expected to be released for further review in early 2026, with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) required to adopt a final version by December 31, 2026. Upon adoption, the permanent standard will supersede the current statutory requirements and likely require updates to existing plans and a fresh round of training.
The key areas still being finalized include:
- Expanded definitions of workplace violence hazards
- Post-incident investigation requirements
- Alternative reporting channels for internal (employee-on-employee) incidents
What You Should Be Doing Now
Regardless of what the final standard looks like, Cal/OSHA’s enforcement posture is clearly intensifying in year two. Inspectors are looking beyond whether a plan exists — they want to see that it is being actively used, reviewed, and documented. With that in mind, we recommend that your team takes a moment to confirm the following:
- Annual Review: Has your Workplace Violence Prevention Plan been reviewed within the past year from your original implementation date? If not, schedule that review with your designed Compliance Officer now.
- Annual Training: Have all staff received their annual training? This must be interactive and must include an opportunity for questions. Training records (dates, attendees, trainers) must be retained for at least 1 year.
- Violent Incident Log: Is your log current? Even if no incidents have occurred, the log should be maintained and available.
- Hazard Assessments and Corrections: Are documentation records of any identified hazards and corrective actions up to date?
A Note on Penalties
Non-compliance carries real financial consequences. Fines range from $18,000 per violation for serious violations to as much as $158,000 for willful violations. As enforcement activity increases, well-documented compliance is your best protection.
MRG is ready and available to assist with your annual review. If you have any questions about how the anticipated regulatory changes may affect your organization, our consultants can be a resource to you and your team.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions at info@solutions-mrg.com!
Alana Forrest is an experienced law enforcement and corporate security professional. During her 29-year career in law enforcement, she led all facets of operations and administrative functions in two police agencies, Palo Alto and Los Gatos/Monte Sereno. Ms. Forrest retired from public service in 2012 to pursue leadership roles in corporate security. She has been Director of Corporate Security for Security Industry Specialists, Pixar Animation Studios, Oracle, and Intuit. Ms. Forrest earned a Master of Arts (MA) in Education from San Jose State University, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice from California State East Bay and holds a California Private Investigator’s License. She serves as President of the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Foundation.