Cal/OSHA Senate Bill 1299 – Workplace Violence Prevention Regulation
Approved in December 2016, Cal/OSHA Senate Bill 1299 attempts to increase employee safety within the workplace, stating specifically that the plan must be continuously in place, and that “general acute care and acute care psychiatric hospitals adopt a workplace violence prevention plan as part of the hospital’s injury and illness prevention plan.” SB 1299 goes on to identify relevant components of any violence prevention plan, including: documentation and reporting, assessment of physical plant risk factors, use of surveillance and alarm systems, adequate staffing patterns, and training.
SB 1299 states specifically that all health care workers who provide direct care to patients must receive, at least annually, training that:
• emphasizes preventive measures,
• helps staff members recognize the potential for violence,
• learn strategies that reduce the further escalation of violence,
• learn to seek assistance to prevent or respond to violence, and
• utilize strategies to avoid physical harm.
Additionally, SB 1299 requires that all violent incidents be:
• documented and reported, and
• investigated and debriefed.
The Pro-ACT training curriculum includes Principles and content that address each of the dot-points above, with a decided focus on prevention. In a published survey, Pro-ACT training provides more de-escalation and early intervention training than any other available program while also offering a comprehensive format for debriefing a violent incident.
Click to review the complete text of Cal/OSHA SB 1299