Workplace Violence Prevention Training 6/12/24
Thanks to Huntsman Architectural Group for hosting and participating in this important and timely training.
A presentation by former SFPD Chief Greg Surh and John Loftus of BXP demystified and shared best practices for implementing the upcoming legislative requirement. They currently work in the industry of securing buildings including the Salesforce Tower and Embarcadero Center and had some amazing advice. Whereas the focus was on implementing a Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP), they also shared some best practices concerning life safety.
SB553 State Assembly bill is officially in effect as of July 1st.
Helpful Resource – Cal/OSHA info webpage: http://dir.ca.gov/dosh/Workplace-Violence/General-Industry.html
Note: There is a downloadable template for minimum compliance under heading “Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP)”
According to Cal/OSHA: “Employers that fall within the scope of this law must establish, implement, and maintain an effective written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan”.
Key parts of WVPP:
- Risk assessment
- Incident Logging / Recordkeeping
- Staff Training
Active Shooter
The FBI has created a very helpful video to assist in knowing what to do in the unfortunate circumstance you are in an active shooter situation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeOdxKozra0
A Good Time to Revisit Life Safety and Emergency Planning
Since the WVPP will be a part of your requirement toolkit to a safe and compliant workplace, it is a good time to make sure you have updated policies concerning safety planning. We covered fire emergencies, which entail having Tenant Wardens and individual floor wardens trained, and that other roles can be helpful such as Searchers, Stairwell Monitors, Elevator Monitors, and Guides. Make sure to have functioning sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire doors, PA speakers, and pull stations.
For medical emergencies, make sure your occupants know to CALL 911 first! Not the building security, as is often assumed.
For earthquakes, the best course of action is DROP, COVER, HOLD when indoors.