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Preventing Workplace Violence in California

Workplace safety depends on recognizing warning signs before situations escalate.

This training helps employees identify concerning behaviors, assess workplace situations thoughtfully, and respond with greater confidence and judgment in high-risk moments.

Built by employment law attorneys, this training is designed to meet California Workplace Violence Prevention law SB 553 requirements while helping organizations translate prevention plans into practical workplace action.

Colleagues discussing workplace issues, including violence prevention.

Audience

All employees

Format

Self-paced, scenario-based online training

Compliance Scope

Aligns with CA SB 553

Duration

30 minutes

Download course details Request a demo

The impact of workplace violence on employees and organizations.

SHIFT helps organizations strengthen workplace safety, reduce risk, and support compliance with California SB 553 requirements.

$121 billion

annual cost of workplace violence to U.S. businesses

2 million

million U.S. workers report being victims each year

$250,000

average cost of a single workplace violence incident

Workplace violence presents serious risks to employee safety, organizational stability, and regulatory compliance. Preventing Workplace Violence in California helps employees recognize warning signs early, apply sound judgment under pressure, and respond in ways that support workplace safety, de-escalation, and California compliance requirements.

Workplace violence prevention in California requires preparation, awareness, and action.

Course overview

SHIFT’s Preventing Workplace Violence in California course is designed to meet the requirements of SB 553 while helping employees build the skills needed to recognize, prevent, and respond to workplace violence.

Through interactive, real-world scenarios, learners explore how risks emerge, how behavior escalates, and how to respond using clear, safety-focused strategies. The training connects California’s legal requirements directly to employee actions, helping organizations operationalize their workplace violence prevention plans.

This is not check-the-box compliance training. It is practical, behavior-focused training designed to support both compliance and real-world readiness.

Beyond policy to real-world prevention

Most workplace violence training explains policies and procedures but does not prepare employees to act under pressure.

This course uses scenario-based learning to help employees recognize warning signs, assess risk, apply de-escalation techniques, and respond effectively in emergency situations, including active assailant scenarios.

The result is a workforce that is better prepared to prevent incidents, respond appropriately, and support a safer workplace.

 

Key learner takeaways

This training builds the ability to:

  • Define workplace violence, including threats, verbal abuse, and physical harm
  • Recognize early warning signs and risk factors
  • Apply practical de-escalation strategies to reduce escalation
  • Respond effectively to violent incidents, including active assailant situations
  • Follow proper reporting procedures aligned with workplace policies and SB 553

Effortless integration, excellent support, and quality content

SHIFT HR's courses do an excellent job of educating our staff on all relevant industry topics and concerns. The training is clear and to the point, ensuring that every employee gains valuable knowledge.

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Marlene Niznik
Knowledge and Learning Specialist

Compliance coverage

Meets California SB 553 workplace violence prevention requirements

California SB 553 Compliant

California SB 553 Mandate Overview

California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Law (SB 553), which took effect July 1, 2024, requires most employers in the state to establish and maintain a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. This includes written policies, employee training, and procedures for identifying and responding to threats or incidents of workplace violence.

The law applies to nearly all non-healthcare employers and mandates that plans be tailored to the specific risks of each work environment. Employers must also maintain a violent incident log and provide annual training on recognizing warning signs, reporting procedures, and emergency response protocols.

 

Proven to change behavior.

This training focuses on building practical skills employees can apply in real situations.

  • Uses realistic, scenario-based learning
    • Highlights early warning signs and escalation patterns
    • Provides clear, actionable de-escalation strategies
    • Reinforces safe and appropriate response behaviors
    • Encourages reflection and situational awareness
    • Supports a culture of safety, accountability, and preparedness

The result: employees are better equipped to recognize risks early and respond effectively, helping prevent incidents before they escalate.

Preventing Workplace Violence Course Behavior Screenshot

 

Course details

Format
Self-paced eLearning with interactive scenarios and reflection points
Duration
30 minutes
Languages
English and Spanish (others available upon request)
Certificate
Instant certificate download
Accessibility
WCAG 2.1 AA compliant, screen-reader compatible, closed captions included
Flexible Delivery Options
SCORM-ready training, deployable via client LMS or hosted by SHIFT
Customization
Branding options and full content tailoring available, with updates reviewed to maintain alignment with legal requirements
White Glove Implementation
Dedicated Project Manager
SCORM integration
LMS set-up & admin training
Go-live support and post-launch check-ins

Frequently asked questions about California workplace violence prevention training.

Yes. This course is designed to meet the requirements of California’s Workplace Violence Prevention law (SB 553), including training on recognizing, preventing, and responding to workplace violence.

SB 553 applies to most non-healthcare employers in California and requires employee training as part of a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan.

The course covers risk identification, warning signs, de-escalation strategies, reporting procedures, and emergency response, including active assailant situations.

Yes. SHIFT supports customization to align the training with your specific Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and organizational risks.

Course content is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in California law, regulatory guidance, and emerging workplace risks.

See how SHIFT prepares your teams for real workplace decisions.

Request a demo

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