The Workplace Violence Prevention Act: One Year Later

The California Workplace Violence Prevention Act (SB 553) became law on July 1, 2024. However, many companies are still struggling to comply in 2025. Some were unaware of the law, while others implemented weak or generic prevention plans that don’t actually protect their employees.

With increased enforcement from Cal/OSHA, businesses need real strategies to prevent workplace violence—not just paperwork.

🔎 Key Compliance Requirements for 2025

✅ Risk Assessments – Employers must identify workplace violence risks and implement security measures.
✅ Incident Reporting – Companies must have clear systems for employees to report threats and violent behavior.
✅ Employee Training – Businesses must provide regular training on recognizing and responding to workplace violence.
✅ Incident Investigations – Every threat, altercation, or violent event must be investigated and documented.
✅ Ongoing Compliance Audits – Employers must maintain and update workplace violence prevention plans annually.

Why Many California Businesses Are Still at Risk in 2025

Even with the law in effect, workplace violence incidents have continued to rise, and many companies are still unprepared. Common compliance failures include:

❌ Outdated or incomplete threat assessments that fail to identify workplace risks.
❌ Lack of proper reporting systems, leading employees to stay silent about threats.
❌ Failure to investigate threats, leaving companies open to lawsuits and liability claims.
❌ Inadequate security measures, such as poor access controls or lack of surveillance.

📊 Cal/OSHA is cracking down on non-compliant businesses, issuing fines and penalties for companies that fail to take workplace violence seriously.

Where Private Investigators Fit In

Most HR teams aren’t trained to handle workplace violence threats effectively. That’s why more businesses in 2025 are hiring private investigators to:

✔️ Identify security gaps before problems arise
✔️ Investigate workplace violence threats thoroughly
✔️ Gather evidence for legal protection
✔️ Strengthen corporate safety policies

Here’s how MZ & Associates helps California businesses stay compliant and truly protect their employees:

1️⃣ Advanced Risk Assessments That Go Beyond Paper Checklists

A basic HR checklist won’t catch hidden risks. Private investigators conduct deep-dive threat assessments by:

✔️ Reviewing criminal backgrounds of employees & vendors.
✔️ Interviewing staff to uncover hidden tensions or conflicts.
✔️ Assessing physical security gaps in access control & surveillance.
✔️ Identifying external threats, such as disgruntled ex-employees or high-risk vendors.

Example: A tech company had no history of workplace violence—but investigators discovered an ex-employee had been stalking former colleagues online for months.

2️⃣ Internal Investigations: When a Threat Becomes Real

After an incident or threat, private investigators help companies get clear answers, providing:

🕵️‍♂️ Objective Analysis – No internal politics or biases.
📱 Digital Forensics – Investigating emails, texts & social media for threats.
🎥 Surveillance Review – Analyzing security footage to detect warning signs.
👥 Witness Interviews – Employees often reveal critical details in confidential settings.

Example: A law firm was unaware that an ex-employee was secretly taking photos of their building entrances—until an investigator uncovered the risk.

3️⃣ Pre-Employment Background Checks: Catching Red Flags Before Hiring

Many companies miss red flags when hiring. Standard HR background checks often don’t detect:

✔️ Previous workplace violence complaints
✔️ Restraining orders & harassment claims
✔️ Social media posts promoting aggressive behavior
✔️ Conflicts with former employers

Example: A California retailer avoided hiring a warehouse supervisor after an investigator found past workplace violence allegations that weren’t in official records.

4️⃣ Custom Workplace Violence Prevention Plans

Every workplace is different. Investigators design tailored plans based on real threats, not generic guidelines.

✅ Reviewing past incidents to identify company-specific risks.
✅ Training employees to detect warning signs early.
✅ Establishing confidential reporting channels that employees trust.
✅ Recommending physical security upgrades, such as:

• Stronger access control systems 🔑
• Security cameras in high-risk zones 📹
• Panic buttons in sensitive areas 🚨

5️⃣ Ongoing Threat Monitoring & Prevention

Some threats don’t end after a single investigation. Investigators offer long-term monitoring for high-risk situations:

✔️ Tracking disgruntled ex-employees after termination.
✔️ Monitoring online threats against the company.
✔️ Conducting reassessments after layoffs or restructuring.

Real-Life Case: Preventing a Workplace Attack

A California engineering firm was dealing with a former employee who had sent vague threats after being fired. HR was unsure if the threat was real or just anger.

🔎 What We Did:
✅ Conducted a background check – The ex-employee had a history of violent altercations.
✅ Analyzed his social media – He had made specific threats against his former employer.
✅ Installed temporary security upgrades – Including surveillance & restricted access points.
✅ Reported the findings to law enforcement.

📌 Outcome: The company filed a restraining order, and law enforcement intervened before an attack could happen.

Workplace Violence Prevention in 2025: An Ongoing Effort

Workplace violence isn’t a one-time compliance task—it requires continuous monitoring and action. Private investigators help companies stay ahead of risks, ensuring ongoing compliance and real safety.

🔎 MZ & Associates helps businesses go beyond basic compliance, providing:
✔️ Comprehensive workplace violence risk assessments
✔️ Expert investigations into workplace threats
✔️ Long-term security monitoring & employee safety training

Conclusion: Protect Your Business & Employees—Before It’s Too Late

One year after California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Act took effect, many companies are still at risk.

✅ Don’t wait until an incident occurs.
✅ Partner with professional investigators.
✅ Ensure real security—not just compliance.

📞 Is your Workplace Violence Prevention Plan ready for 2025? Contact MZ & Associates today.