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KnowledgeCity

Workplace Violence for California Employees

Create a safer work environment by recognizing risks and responding with confidence.
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Course: On-Demand
Essential Provider KnowledgeCity  7 Lessons ·  21m  in English, Spanish 

Course Description

When we spend so much of our days at work, we're bound to run into conflict and butt heads with our co-workers once in a while, just like we do with family and friends. In this Workplace Violence for California Employees course, you’ll learn how to spot warning signs of violence, respond to threats and aggressive behavior, and follow California’s workplace violence prevention requirements. You’ll also learn how to report incidents and protect yourself and others.

Workplace violence isn’t limited to physical fights. It includes threats, harassment, and emotional abuse, and can come from coworkers, customers, or even strangers. This course explains how to recognize different types of aggression and when to report troubling behavior. You’ll learn about California’s Senate Bill 553, which requires employers to develop a written workplace violence prevention plan, keep detailed records, and train staff regularly.

The course breaks down what qualifies as workplace violence, including veiled and direct threats, sexual harassment, and verbal abuse. It also covers what to do if you witness or experience violence, see a weapon at work, or encounter an unauthorized person. You’ll explore strategies for de-escalating tense situations, responding to emergencies, and staying safe during extreme events like active shooter scenarios.

By the end, you’ll be prepared to help your team prevent and respond to workplace violence in line with California regulations.

What You'll Learn

  • Identify different types of workplace violence and aggressive behavior, including veiled and direct threats, sexual harassment, and verbal abuse
  • Recognize early warning signs of potential violence
  • Apply de-escalation strategies during tense or threatening situations
  • Follow procedures for reporting threats, harassment, or violent acts
  • Explain key elements of California's workplace violence prevention requirements under Senate Bill 553
  • Respond to emergencies and extreme events such as active shooter scenarios

Key Takeaways

  • Workplace violence is not limited to physical fights; it includes threats, harassment, and emotional abuse, and can come from coworkers, customers, or strangers.
  • California's Senate Bill 553 requires employers to develop a written workplace violence prevention plan, keep detailed records, and train staff regularly.
  • Recognizing early warning signs and applying de-escalation strategies helps prevent tense situations from escalating into violence.
  • Knowing the proper procedures for reporting threats, harassment, or violent acts is essential to protecting yourself and others.
  • The course prepares learners to respond to emergencies, including seeing a weapon at work, encountering an unauthorized person, or active shooter scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for California employees who want to learn how to spot warning signs of violence, respond to threats and aggressive behavior, and follow California's workplace violence prevention requirements.

What does this course cover?

It covers what qualifies as workplace violence (including veiled and direct threats, sexual harassment, and verbal abuse), recognizing warning signs, de-escalation strategies, reporting procedures, responding to emergencies and active shooter scenarios, and California's Senate Bill 553 workplace violence prevention requirements.

What is Senate Bill 553?

Senate Bill 553 is a California law requiring employers to develop a written workplace violence prevention plan, keep detailed records, and train staff regularly.

What skills will I gain from this course?

You will gain skills in incident reporting, de-escalation techniques, emergency response, threat detection, and workplace safety.

What topics are included in the lessons?

Lessons cover what violence is, warning signs, handling aggressive behavior, dealing with violent behavior, and implementing a workplace violence prevention plan, followed by a review.