Understanding the Basics

Senate Bill SB 553, which goes into effect July 1, 2024, places a spotlight on workplace safety by emphasizing the need for employers to implement effective violence prevention plans. The goal is to create a safer work environment for employees across different industries by addressing violence prevention and reporting, including topics such as active shooter preparedness, response, and even restraining orders. Let’s break down the key aspects of the bill related to workplace violence prevention.

1. Scope and Applicability
   SB 553 applies to a broad spectrum of workplaces, encompassing various industries and professions. This includes offices, manufacturing facilities, healthcare institutions, educational institutions, and others. It is essential for employers and employees to recognize the bill’s universal applicability.
2. Definition of Workplace Violence
   The bill provides a clear definition of workplace violence, encompassing a range of behaviors that pose a threat to the safety and well-being of employees. This can include physical violence, threats, intimidation, and other harmful actions that may occur within the workplace.
3. Employer Responsibilities
   SB 553 places the onus on employers to develop, implement, and maintain an effective workplace violence prevention plan. Employers are required to conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of violence in the workplace.
4. Employee Involvement
   The bill encourages active participation from employees in developing and reviewing workplace violence prevention plans. Employees should be informed about the plan’s contents, trained to recognize potential risks, and equipped with the knowledge to respond appropriately.
5. Training Requirements
   SB 553 mandates that employers train employees on recognizing and preventing workplace violence.
6. Recordkeeping and Reporting
   The bill outlines recordkeeping requirements for employers, including documentation of risk assessments, training sessions, and incidents of workplace violence. Additionally, employers must report serious workplace violence incidents to the appropriate authorities.

How to Comply and Stay Informed

1. Review and Update Policies
   Employers should review their existing workplace violence prevention plans and update them to comply with the requirements of SB 553. Regular assessments of potential risks are crucial for maintaining a current and effective plan.
2. Training Programs
   Implement comprehensive training programs for employees, ensuring they are well-versed in recognizing and responding to potential acts of violence. Regularly revisit and update training materials to inform employees about the latest safety protocols.
3. Consult Legal Resources
   For employers seeking clarification on specific aspects of SB 553, consulting security and legal professionals well-versed in employment safety law can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in SB 553 may result in significant penalties for employers. These penalties are designed to encourage adherence to workplace violence prevention plans and ensure the safety and well-being of employees. Penalties may include:

1. Fines
   Employers found violating SB 553 may be subject to fines imposed by regulatory authorities. The amount of fines can vary based on the severity of the violation and the employer’s history of non-compliance and range from $18,000 to $25,000 per incident.
2. Legal Actions
   Non-compliance may lead to legal actions, including lawsuits filed by affected employees or regulatory bodies. Employers may be held liable for damages resulting from workplace violence incidents that could have been prevented through proper adherence to the bill’s requirements.
3. Revocation of Permits or Licenses
   In extreme cases, regulatory authorities may be able to revoke permits or licenses held by non-compliant employers. This can severely affect businesses, impacting their ability to operate legally.

California Senate Bill SB 553 underscores the importance of prioritizing workplace safety through effective violence prevention plans. Employers and employees alike play a pivotal role in creating a secure work environment and understanding the provisions of SB 553 is key to achieving this goal. By embracing the principles laid out in the bill and acknowledging the potential penalties for non-compliance, workplaces can foster a safety culture, ultimately benefiting everyone within the organization.

Strike security services play a crucial role in safeguarding facilities and employees before and during labor disputes. Strike Security Officers receive specialized training for labor dispute situations, understanding the inherent risks and threats involved. They also collect evidence in compliance with, the National Labor Relations Act, which serves as a company’s best defense against false accusations and any incidents that may occur.

Article Brief

Strike security services and contingency planning are essential components of protecting your business during labor disputes. This article covers the importance of strike security, steps for conducting a security analysis, developing a strike contingency plan, and selecting the right strike service provider. By preparing for labor disputes, organizations can confidently navigate any unrest, safeguarding their operations, employees, and assets.

Reference sources:

U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/)
National Labor Relations Board (https://www.nlrb.gov/)
Society for Human Resource Management (https://www.shrm.org/)

Strike Security Analysis

During a labor dispute, organizations may face additional threats that pose risks to their operations and employees. To help mitigate these risks, a security analysis involves the following steps:

1. Assessing entry and exit areas at the facility
2. Identifying vulnerable areas on the site and its surroundings
3. Developing a plan to ensure only authorized employees and customers access the facility
4. Training non-union employees in protocols for interacting with striking union members and picket line procedures
5. Coordinating security procedures with management, local and state police, and fire departments in the event of a strike
6. Explaining evidence-gathering procedures for documenting misconduct or violations during a labor dispute

Developing a Strike Contingency Plan

Strike contingency planning acts as an insurance policy that protects organizations during labor disputes, enabling them to respond confidently and strategically to threats, labor disputes, or labor unrest.

What is strike contingency planning?

Strike contingency planning involves creating an operational strategy and comprehensive business continuity plan to maintain operations during a labor dispute. This planning typically occurs when a unionized company’s collective bargaining isup for renewal or after the company becomes unionized.

Strike contingency plans often include specialized labor dispute security plans. While many companies have contract security for daily operations, they may bring in Security Officers trained in the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and evidence documentation to avoid Unfair Labor Practice charges (ULPs) during a labor dispute.

Pre-strike planning considerations

A systematic approach to pre-strike planning involves proactively identifying all operational and security vulnerabilities and threats that could pose risks during a labor dispute.

An on-site needs analysis and strike contingency plan development should address areas such as:

• Union vs. non-union vendor status and contingencies for union vendors
• Stockpiling raw materials or finished goods
• Cross-dock analysis
• Replacement worker staffing levels, certifications, and experience requirements
• Security evaluations of critical areas and recommendations based on findings
• NLRA-trained strike security staffing recommendations
• Pre-strike security and operational recommendations
• Non-union employee transportation recommendations
• Picket line training for non-union employees continuing work during a labor dispute

Strike Planning, Replacement Worker Recruiting & Strike Readiness Preparations

Strike contingency planning and strike readiness have evolved significantly in recent years due to the pandemic, labor market shifts, and increased demand for traveling production, skilled trades, and warehouse workforces.

Proactive recruiting and readiness preparation are now essential for companies needing to continue operations on day one of a labor dispute. Discussions with strike agencies should begin well before the union contract expires and a labor dispute becomes imminent.

Strike Service Options

Depending on your risk tolerance and the timing of your labor dispute, companies typically offer various levels of support to match your needs.

Remote Needs Analysis

Basic strike staffing needs are assessed remotely. This may be suitable for unlikely strikes, small workforces, and unskilled personnel.

On-Site Needs Analysis & Strike Contingency Plan

The standard process for strike contingency planning includes an on-site needs analysis. Operations and security experts visit your facilities to physically assess your operations, staffing, and security needs and, develop a comprehensive

strike contingency plan. This option is appropriate if a labor dispute is possible, your operations are complex, multiple facilities are involved, or if you require a large or highly technical number of strike replacement workers.

Labor Dispute Readiness Phase

Once staffing requirements are determined, the agency assembles and maintains a standby team of fully-vetted personnel for your specific project on a position-by-position basis. This allows for rapid and efficient deployment, minimizing the deployment timeline.

This step is necessary when a strike is likely, a large number of strike replacement workers are needed, or if the required personnel are highly technical or in high demand.

Pre-Strike Deployment of Security Officers and/or Replacement Workers

Operations and/or Security Teams can be deployed before a labor dispute. Deployed personnel can be positioned visibly at the facility or stationed off-site, providing an invisible, instant response capability.

This option may be necessary if extensive on-site training is required, an immediate response is needed on day one of the strike, or to convey a high level of preparedness to the union. It’s recommended to consult a labor attorney about positioning a strike team on-site at your facilities.

Strike Security & Strike Replacement Workers

Experienced Strike Security and Replacement Worker Teams can be deployed across the United States to provide critical protection to your business during labor disputes.

Choosing the Right Strike Service Provider

Selecting the right strike service provider is essential to ensure the success of your strike contingency planning and strike readiness preparations. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a provider:

Experience and Expertise

Look for a provider with a proven track record in managing labor disputes and providing strike security and replacement workers. Their experience and expertise should extend to a variety of industries and situations.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

A suitable provider should offer arange of services, including strike security, replacement worker recruitment, on-site needs analysis, and strike contingency planning. This ensures that all aspects of your labor dispute management are covered.

Customizable Solutions

Every organization is unique, and your strike service provider should be able to tailor their solutions to your specific needs and requirements. Customizable solutions ensure that your organization’s operations and security are adequately protected during a labor dispute.

Responsiveness and Availability

Choose a provider that can respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a labor dispute. They should have the resources and personnel to deploy strike security and replacement workers rapidly, minimizing any disruptions to your business.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Ensure that your chosen strike service provider is knowledgeable about and compliant with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and other relevant labor laws and regulations. This helps protect your organization from potential legal issues during a labor dispute.

Confidently Navigate A Labor Unrest

Preparing for a labor dispute is a critical aspect of managing a unionized workforce. By investing in strike security, developing a strike contingency plan, and partnering with an experienced strike service provider you can ensure the continued success of your organization during labor disputes. This will enable you to confidently navigate any labor unrest and safeguard your business, employees, and assets.

Are you prepared for an active shooter incident? Michael Julian, the founder of A.L.I.V.E., believes that preparation is critical to survival. A.L.I.V.E. stands for Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose, a philosophy he has been teaching throughout the United States since 2014.

Recently, Michael Julian was featured on KCAL CBS local news, discussing the mass shooting in Monterey Park and the importance of being prepared for such a tragic event. He shared with the audience how his A.L.I.V.E. philosophy can help individuals and organizations to increase their chances of survival in an active shooter situation.

Here are some of the Monterey Park details given by Brandon Tsay

On Saturday night, as the Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio was winding down, with less than 30 minutes until closing, Brandon Tsay, the third-generation operator of the family-run dance hall in Alhambra, was in the office off the lobby, watching the ballroom when he heard the front doors swing closed and a strange clang that sounded like metallic objects hitting each other. He turned around to see a semiautomatic assault pistol pointed at him.

“He was looking at me and looking around, not hiding that he was trying to do harm. His eyes were menacing,” recalled Mr. Tsay, who struggled with the gunman and eventually disarmed him, saving countless lives and averting another tragedy. It was an act that officials roundly praised as heroic. The gunman, who authorities identified as Huu Can Tran, 72, was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot in a van about 30 miles away, according to law enforcement officials.

Mr. Tsay said the weapon the gunman was carrying signaled he intended to inflict maximum damage. “How it was built and customized, I knew it wasn’t for robbing money,” he said. “From his body language, his facial expression, his eyes, he was looking for people.”

Sheriff Robert Luna of Los Angeles County said in a news briefing Sunday afternoon that “two community members” had disarmed the gunman at the Alhambra ballroom. “This could have been much worse,” he said. But Mr. Tsay and his family, who reviewed the security camera footage from the lobby of the ballroom, said it was he alone who fought the gunman over control of the weapon and wrested it from him.

“It was just my son. He could have died,” said his father, Tom Tsay, who said he was proud of his son for the bravery he showed. “He’s lucky, someone was watching over him.” His older sister, Brenda, who currently runs the business, said the video showed a prolonged, fierce struggle between the two men all over the lobby.

His older sister, Brenda, who currently runs the business, said the video footage from the lobby showed a prolonged and intense struggle between the two men. According to her, the gunman was determined to regain control of the weapon.

Brandon, a computer coder who occasionally works at the family’s ballroom, said he was facing the gunman at around 10:35 p.m. Saturday, although he did not recognize him. Despite never having seen a real gun before, he could tell that it was a deadly weapon. “My heart sank, I knew I was going to die,” he said.

Without hesitation, Brandon lunged and grabbed the weapon by its barrel, starting a struggle with the gunman for control of it. “It was a primal instinct,” he said. “I don’t know what came over me.” The fight lasted for about a minute and a half, and both men were similarly matched in strength, according to Mr. Tsay. He saw an opportunity when the gunman briefly looked down at the weapon, and he managed to pry the pistol away from him. He pointed the weapon back at the gunman and shouted, “Go, get the hell out of here,” as he recalls.

After assisting the police with their investigation throughout the night, Brandon felt deeply affected by the events of that evening and had not yet been able to fully process them. He felt particularly heartbroken for the community of Monterey Park and the surrounding areas, where his family and their ballroom had been a beloved haven for over three decades.

Crowd Management and Safety

During protests, security officers need to effectively manage crowds, preventing altercations and ensuring everyone stays safe. This responsibility may involve:

• Setting up barricades to control crowd movement
• Establishing clear lines of communication with protest organizers
• Ensuring everyone understands the rules and expectations

Incident Response and Intervention

Security officers must also be prepared to respond quickly to any incidents that may occur during protests. Their responsibilities may include:

• Providing medical assistance to injured individuals
• Requesting backup from law enforcement agencies when necessary
• Intervening to prevent altercations from escalating

Effective Communication

Clear and effective communication is vital during protests. Security officers should be able to:

• Communicate with protesters to ensure everyone understands rules and expectations
• Liaise with law enforcement agencies and other security personnel to coordinate efforts
• Maintain open lines of communication with protest organizers and attendees

Maintaining Order

Security officers play a pivotal role in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of everyone involved during protests. By effectively managing crowds, responding quickly to incidents, and communicating clearly with all parties, security officers contribute to a peaceful and safe protest environment.