Overview of SB 553
California Senate Bill 553, enacted in 2023, requires employers to maintain detailed records of workplace violence incidents. This includes not only physical altercations but also verbal threats, harassment, and other behaviors that may escalate. The bill expands existing recordkeeping obligations under Cal/OSHA's Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).
What Must Be Recorded
Employers must document all workplace violence incidents, regardless of injury. Records should include the date, time, location, a description of the incident, and any actions taken. The law also mandates tracking of near‑misses and employee reports of threatening behavior. These logs must be retained for at least five years and made available to employees and their representatives upon request.
Integration with IIPP
SB 553 ties directly into an employer's existing IIPP. Recordkeeping is not a standalone requirement — it must feed into hazard assessments, annual reviews, and employee training records. Employers should ensure that incident logs inform updates to their prevention plans, and that all documentation is cross‑referenced with the IIPP.
Common Pitfalls & Best Practices
Many employers overlook verbal threats or fail to document incidents involving non‑employees (such as customers or visitors). A robust system should capture all reportable events, no matter the source. Best practices include using a centralized digital log, assigning clear roles for reporting, and scheduling quarterly audits of the records for accuracy and completeness.