Cal/OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Training

This is a California-specific requirement. The course is built around California Labor Code Section 6401.9 (SB 553), Labor Code Section 6401.7, and Title 8, California Code of Regulations Section 3203 (the Injury and Illness Prevention Program standard).

Workplace violence is a leading cause of occupational injury in the U.S., and California is the first state to mandate a general industry prevention plan for it. Since July 1, 2024, nearly all California employers must have a written WVPP, deliver initial and annual training, and log every violent incident. This course gives employees and supervisors the knowledge to meet that requirement, recognize risk factors before they escalate, and respond correctly when an incident happens — reducing injuries, liability, and Cal/OSHA citation risks.

• Designed specifically around California Labor Code Section 6401.9 (SB 553), Labor Code Section 6401.7, and Title 8 CCR Section 3203.
• Covers all four legally defined types of workplace violence with realistic scenarios.
• Learn how records, employee surveys, client feedback, and job hazard analyses can be used to identify patterns and strengthen workplace violence prevention efforts.
• Content is reviewed against Cal/OSHA’s published WVPP guidance and Model WVPP so it reflects what enforcement expects.

Any California employee, supervisor, or manager whose employer is covered by SB 553 benefits — including staff in retail, hospitality, warehousing, education, and office settings. It’s especially useful for HR and safety personnel responsible for building the WVPP, and for employees who interact directly with customers, clients, or the public, since violence from that group (Type 2) is one of the most commonly reported categories.

Very few employers are. The main exemptions are: healthcare facilities already covered by the Title 8 Section 3342 healthcare violence standard, facilities operated by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, certain law enforcement agencies, employees teleworking from a location of their own choosing, and worksites with fewer than 10 employees that have no public access and already comply with IIPP requirements. Employers must be able to prove an exemption applies — it isn’t automatic.

Type 1 is violence by someone with no legitimate business at the worksite, such as a robbery. Type 2 is violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, or visitors. Type 3 is violence by a current or former co-worker, supervisor, or manager. Type 4 is violence by someone with a personal relationship to an employee, such as domestic violence that follows them to work. The course walks through all four with realistic examples.

Cal/OSHA can cite a non-compliant employer under Labor Code Section 6401.9 the same way it cites other Injury and Illness Prevention Program violations, with penalties that scale by classification. Beyond the citation risk, an employer with no documented plan or training has far less protection if a violent incident occurs on-site.

It covers the core content SB 553 requires for initial and annual training. However, Cal/OSHA is explicit that a WVPP can’t be generic, it has to address the hazards specific to each work area. So your employer still needs to walk you through your worksite’s actual written WVPP, its emergency procedures, and where to find the Violent Incident Log, alongside this course.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Cal-OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Training standards do not specify a set frequency for training renewal, unlike some other OSHA regulations. However, industry best practices suggest providing Workplace Violence Prevention Plan training at least once a year.

Certificate of Completion: Immediately after passing the final exam, you can download, save, or print your certificate in PDF format.

Validity: The course certificate is valid for one year.

Renewal: Simply take this course within 12 months to maintain compliance and stay current on workplace violence prevention best practices at facilities.