Cal/OSHA emphasizes the need for a workplace violence plan with hefty employer citations
Employers, get those Injury and Illness Prevention Plans (IIPPs) updated with a plan in place for potential workplace violence that may occur! If you have been postponing updating your workplace safety policies, do not delay.
Cal/OSHA has just cited two Bay Area agricultural employers with proposed penalties of $113,800 to California Terra Garden, Inc. for 22 violations and $51,770 to Concord Farms Inc. for 19 violations for failure to have a plan or procedure in place for an active shooter situation in one case and for failure to address previous incidents of workplace and violence and to develop procedures to correct and prevent these types of hazards in the other.
Both employers were cited for failing to establish a workplace safety plan that evaluated the threat of workplace violence and to train workers in a language they can understand (many of the farmworkers spoke only Spanish or Mandarin). The two companies were also cited for failure to secure labor camp permits for onsite worker housing.
These citations occurred on the heels of a former employee of both California Terra Garden and Concord Farms accused of shooting and killing employees at both worksites in January of 2023 for, according to prosecutors, anger over perceived mistreatment by coworkers. Additional enforcement actions against the farms could eventually be imposed by other state agencies.
In a press release, Cal/OSHA reiterated its various employer resources for workplace health and safety questions and concerns as follows:
- General industry workplace violence tools are available on the Cal/OSHA website
- Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424
- Employers with questions on requirements may contact: [email protected], or call your local Cal/OSHA Consultation Office
If your workplace needs an IIPP drafted or if your current IIPP needs updating, do not hesitate to give Rosasco Law Group, APC a call. We can make sure that your company has a solid plan in place to ensure the health and safety of your employees.
