Welcome & Certification Requirements

You are starting the California SB 553 Workplace Violence Prevention course.
This training is designed to keep you and your coworkers safer at work — and to make sure your employer follows California law.

By the end of this course, you will know:

• What workplace violence is, and how to recognize it early.

• How to calm situations before they get worse.

• What to do if there is a real threat or violent incident.

• How to report incidents without fear of retaliation.

How to use your company’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP).

Why This Training Matters

California passed a new law called SB 553.
Starting July 1, 2024, most employers must:

1. Create a written plan (the WVPP).

2. Train all employees on that plan.

3. Keep records of training and any violent incidents.

Example:
Imagine you work in a store. A customer becomes angry, shouts threats, and slams their fists on the counter. Even if they never touch you, this is still a form of workplace violence under SB 553. You need to know how to respond and how to report it.

How This Course Works

The course has short lessons (5–15 minutes each).
Each lesson covers one key part of SB 553.
You’ll see:

• Videos or text lessons explaining concepts.

• Quizzes to check what you learned.

• Assignments where you enter details about your own workplace (like your emergency exit or who to call for help).

At the end, there is a final exam and a live Q&A session with someone who knows your company’s WVPP.

What You Must Do to Earn Your Certificate

To be certified, you must:

1. Complete every lesson.

2. Pass all quizzes with at least 80%.

3. Submit assignments (like hazard lists or reporting contacts).

4. Attend a live Q&A session. This is required by law. You will be able to ask questions about your own workplace’s plan.

5. Acknowledge that you have access to your WVPP. (This may be a link, a paper copy, or both.)

Example Scenario

• You finish the online lessons and quizzes.

• You submit your site’s evacuation route in Lesson 5.

• You attend a short Q&A over Zoom with your safety manager.

• After all steps are marked complete, you receive a certificate of completion.

This certificate shows your employer — and Cal/OSHA if needed — that you have met the training requirements.

Key Points to Remember

• SB 553 requires training every year, not just once.

• The WVPP is your “playbook” for staying safe.

• Reporting threats is encouraged and you cannot be punished for it.

• Your employer keeps training records for at least one year.

Next Step: Begin Lesson 1 — SB 553 Essentials & Your WVPP.