5 Essential Considerations for Effective Violence Prevention Training to Comply with California’s July 1 Mandate

By July 1, 2024, employers in California must develop a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan AND conduct the first annual training on their violence prevention plan (SB 553).

On-demand training can be an efficient and cost-effective way of meeting this recurring compliance training requirement - if the training is effective and is more than a check-the-box exercise.

What should you look for in on-demand Violence Prevention Plan training?

Here are five key factors to consider when selecting an on-demand training program that not only meets California’s mandate but also aligns with your firm’s needs:

1. Is it designed specifically for law firms?

California’s law emphasizes the need for the plan and the training to be tailored to the employer’s environment and the hazards inherent in their environment. Look for a training program that understands the law firm environment and the signs of potential workplace violence that are most likely to arise there. SkillBurst Interactive builds content with law firms, for law firms to ensure the messaging resonates with your lawyers and staff.

2. Is it customizable?

California doesn’t just mandate Violence Prevention training in general; it emphasizes that the training must specifically address the employer’s Violence Prevention Plan. So choose a training solution that offers seamless customization to feature the nuances of your firm’s plan, procedures, reporting mechanisms, and preventive measures.

As with all of our subscription-based courses, SkillBurst’s Violence Awareness and Prevention Course is completely customizable.

3. Will the course be branded to your firm? And delivered in your voice?

Training delivered online resonates the most when it looks, feels, and sounds like it has been created by your firm specifically for your firm’s personnel. Branded content not only reinforces the importance of the material but also enhances engagement among your lawyers and staff.

Look for a training solution that is delivered in such a way that it feels like it is your firm’s management speaking directly to your personnel.  Look for a solution that allows you to feature your firm’s logo on the title page of the course, embed a link to your violence prevention plan and/or policy, and easily reach out to your firm’s point of contact with any questions.   

4.  Can it be deployed across the entire firm - beyond just California?

If you are a multi-state firm and are involved in your firm’s harassment awareness training, you’ll recall that while California was the first state to mandate sexual harassment awareness training, many other states followed suit shortly thereafter. Many firms are considering rolling out this training firm-wide, not just in California.

So, as you’re looking for a course to meet California’s new Violence Prevention training mandate, consider a solution that can be broadly deployed across all offices of the firm – and not limited in value to the California location.

5.  Can it be updated annually? 

Since violence prevention training is an annual requirement, consider a training solution that can be easily updated and refreshed every year. Regular updates ensure that the material remains relevant, reflects any changes in your firm’s Violence Prevention Plan, and reinforces its importance over time, allowing ongoing compliance with regulations.

By prioritizing these elements, your law firm can not only meet the mandated requirements but also create a safer and more informed workplace environment for everyone. At SkillBurst, we are committed to providing tailored training solutions that empower law firms and legal professionals to effectively prevent workplace violence. Learn more about our Violence Prevention Training for Law Firms newly created in response to the recent legislative changes in California (CA SB 553).

Interested in learning more about SkillBurst’s compliance training options? Reach out to info@skillburst.com.