Glossary Cal OSHA Active Shooter and Workplace Violence Awareness Training

Safety measures that focus on how work is organized and how employees perform their job tasks, such as staffing, supervision, and communication practices, commonly used when physical security measures alone are not sufficient to reduce workplace violence risks.

A safety practice in which two or more employees work together, or a security escort is provided, during higher-risk situations or late-night operations to reduce the risk of workplace violence.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the state agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health regulations in California, including Labor Code § 6401.9.

The California law, enacted by Senate Bill 553 and effective July 1, 2024, that requires nearly all California employers to establish, implement, and maintain a written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, train employees, maintain a Violent Incident Log, and prohibit retaliation against employees who report workplace violence.

Steps taken after a workplace violence incident, such as improved training, updated procedures, or enhanced security controls, to address identified gaps and prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

A type of workplace violence involving individuals who have no legitimate relationship with the workplace or its employees, typically motivated by theft, robbery, trespassing, or another criminal act.

A type of workplace violence that occurs when a customer, patient, client, student, inmate, or other service recipient becomes violent toward an employee while receiving services.

Communication and conflict management techniques used to calm a tense situation and reduce the risk that aggressive behavior will develop into workplace violence.

A written procedure designed to help employees respond safely during workplace emergencies, including violent incidents. In California, Title 8 CCR § 3220 requires employers with more than 10 employees to maintain a written Emergency Action Plan.

A mode of workplace violence involving behavior that creates stress, fear, humiliation, or emotional harm in the workplace.

Physical or environmental modifications, such as barriers, controlled entry systems, lighting, or surveillance systems, designed to reduce exposure to workplace violence hazards or improve employee protection.

The identified safe exit routes from different areas of the workplace and the designated assembly points outside the building where employees must gather after evacuating for accountability.

A mode of workplace violence involving repeated offensive behavior, bullying, or actions that create fear or emotional distress.

The process, also called worksite analysis, used to identify workplace conditions, operations, or activities that may increase the risk of workplace violence, often conducted by a team that includes supervisors, employees, safety personnel, and security staff.

The process by which employees notify supervisors, human resources, security staff, or a designated reporting system about a threat, aggressive behavior, or violent incident so it can be documented, reviewed, and addressed.

A process used to examine specific job tasks and work activities to identify conditions that may contribute to workplace violence risks, evaluating the relationship between employees, job duties, procedures, equipment, and the work environment.

A type of workplace violence that occurs when an individual with a personal relationship to an employee, such as a current or former partner, brings violence into the workplace. Domestic violence is the most common example.

A mode of workplace violence involving acts such as hitting, pushing, kicking, or the use of weapons that may cause injury.

A formal written declaration that communicates an organization's commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and violence-free work environment, and that establishes expectations for employee conduct and the organization's approach to preventing and responding to workplace violence.

The actions taken after a workplace violence incident to support recovery and prevent recurrence, including medical and psychological support, review of the incident, and corrective action.

A regular review of workplace violence prevention measures to determine whether safety procedures and controls remain effective, and to identify weaknesses and corrective actions when necessary.

The practice of maintaining organized documentation, such as incident reports, injury and illness records, and the Violent Incident Log, to help employers understand the frequency, severity, and causes of workplace violence and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention measures.

A method of reviewing workplace records to identify patterns, trends, and recurring concerns related to workplace violence or near-miss incidents, and to determine where additional safety measures may be needed.

Adverse action taken against an employee for reporting workplace violence or a workplace violence hazard, or for seeking assistance from law enforcement or emergency services. Retaliation against employees for these actions is prohibited under California Labor Code § 6401.9.

Physical and procedural safeguards, such as lighting, surveillance systems, alarms, visitor controls, identification badges, or security personnel, used to improve workplace security and reduce the risk of violence.

Instructions for situations where leaving the building is unsafe, including securing doors, staying in protected areas, and remaining in place until authorities give clearance.

A mode of workplace violence involving repeated unwanted contact, monitoring, or following of an employee.

A hazard control measure that involves replacing a higher-risk activity, procedure, or condition with a safer alternative whenever possible, such as modifying work procedures or adjusting staffing arrangements.

The California regulation requiring employers with more than 10 employees to develop and maintain a written Emergency Action Plan; California's counterpart to the federal Emergency Action Plan standard.

A mode of workplace violence involving statements or comments intended to frighten or intimidate employees.

A written record, required under California Labor Code § 6401.9, in which an employer documents every reported incident, threat, or post-incident response involving actual, potential, or threatened workplace violence.

Behaviors or situations, such as frequent anger, threatening statements, ongoing conflicts, or sudden changes in behavior, that may indicate an increased risk of workplace violence and should prompt early recognition and reporting.

Safe employee behaviors and consistent procedures, such as following reporting protocols and maintaining professional communication, that reduce the likelihood of conflict, aggression, or unsafe situations.

A type of workplace violence involving violence between current or former employees, supervisors, or managers, which may result from workplace conflicts, bullying, disciplinary actions, or personal disputes.

Violence or the threat of violence against workers. It can occur at or outside the workplace, and ranges from threats and verbal abuse, to physical assaults and homicide.

The written plan required under California Labor Code § 6401.9 (SB 553) that nearly all California employers must establish, implement, and maintain to identify, evaluate, and correct workplace violence hazards, including a policy statement, reporting procedures, training, and a Violent Incident Log.

A written program for workplace violence prevention, incorporated into an organization's overall safety and health program, that offers a structured approach to identify, reduce, and control the risk of violence in the workplace.