Kacey Riccomini Quoted on CA Bill Discussing Workplace Violence Prevention

The California Legislature has passed a bill aimed at enhancing workplace violence prevention measures for employers. The bill was awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature. It mandates that employers create comprehensive violence prevention plans, maintain records of threats or violent incidents, and provide effective employee training in violence prevention.

Partner Kacey Riccomini said she expected the governor will sign the legislation and noted that employers “should train workers on ‘red-flag behaviors' and ways to de-escalate heated situations.” Additionally, the bill allows supervisors or union representatives to apply for temporary restraining orders on behalf of employees in the event of credible threats, beginning in 2025.

If enacted, the bill would require employers to maintain a log of all violence or threat reports, starting in July 2024. The logs “could be looked at by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration or might be part of discovery in a lawsuit," Riccomini said.

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