WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AWARENESS: BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSE
Recognize the Warning Signs. Understand the Risks. Know How to Respond.
The time to understand your organization's workplace violence prevention procedures is not during an emergency.
Workplace violence can occur in virtually any professional environment.
It may involve threats, intimidation, physical aggression, violent encounters, or other behaviors that place employees at risk.
The individuals involved may include current or former employees, customers, clients, visitors, or individuals with no legitimate connection to the organization.
Although workplace violence incidents vary in motivation, circumstances, and severity, organizations can take proactive steps to identify hazards, establish reporting procedures, strengthen employee awareness, and prepare personnel to respond appropriately.
California Senate Bill 553 introduced significant workplace violence prevention responsibilities for many employers through California Labor Code Section 6401.9.
These requirements emphasize the importance of developing and maintaining a written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, identifying workplace hazards, establishing reporting procedures, and providing effective employee training.
This interactive course helps employees understand the foundational principles of workplace violence prevention and their responsibilities in maintaining a safer work environment.
Participants examine the different classifications of workplace violence, behavioral indicators associated with potential threats, organizational reporting procedures, and strategies for responding to dangerous situations.
The curriculum also explores how strategic communication, situational awareness, and sound decision-making can influence outcomes during challenging or rapidly evolving circumstances.
Through scenario-based discussions, practical exercises, and workplace-specific examples, participants develop a greater understanding of prevention, reporting, emergency response, and personal safety.
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Participants will explore how to:
Define workplace violence under applicable California law.
Identify the four recognized types of workplace violence.
Recognize behaviors and circumstances that may indicate an increased risk of violence.
Understand how workplace violence hazards can differ across professional environments.
Recognize the importance of situational awareness and early reporting.
Identify appropriate procedures for reporting threats, violent incidents, and workplace safety concerns.
Understand employee protections against retaliation for reporting workplace violence concerns.
Examine how strategic communication and de-escalation may help manage certain confrontational situations.
Recognize when disengagement or immediate emergency assistance is necessary.
Understand organizational emergency response procedures.
Explore practical considerations for evacuation, sheltering, and personal safety during violent incidents.
Understand the purpose and accessibility of the organization's Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.
Recognize the importance of post-incident reporting and organizational follow-up.
California Legislative Framework
This course supports employers working to fulfill applicable employee training responsibilities under California Labor Code Section 6401.9, established through Senate Bill 553.
Covered employers must provide initial and annual workplace violence prevention training addressing required topics, including workplace-specific hazards and procedures.
The course can be customized to incorporate the employer's written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, reporting procedures, emergency protocols, and identified workplace hazards.
Additional Learning Component
A preliminary facility threat assessment may be incorporated into the engagement to help identify relevant environmental and operational considerations.
Where included in the agreed scope of services, this assessment can help connect classroom instruction with workplace-specific conditions.
Intended Audience
General employees, supervisors, customer-facing personnel, administrative staff, public agency employees, and other personnel working in environments where workplace violence prevention awareness is necessary.
Organizational Value
Workplace violence prevention is a shared organizational responsibility.
Employees must understand how to recognize and communicate concerns, while employers must establish effective systems for evaluating hazards and responding appropriately.
This course helps organizations strengthen employee awareness, improve reporting practices, reinforce prevention procedures, and support a more informed workplace safety culture.
The Takeaway: Awareness creates opportunities for prevention. Preparation creates opportunities for safer responses.
