Cal/OSHA's Permanent Standard Is Coming. Here's What We Know.

Most California employers who have dealt with SB 553 think of it as the definitive workplace violence prevention law. It is not. SB 553 was always designed as an interim measure, a statutory requirement to fill the gap while Cal/OSHA developed a comprehensive, permanent standard.

That permanent standard is now in development, and the deadline for adoption is December 31, 2026.

The Legislative Background

SB 553, signed by Governor Newsom in September 2023 and enforceable as of July 1, 2024, added Section 6401.9 to the California Labor Code. The statute requires most California employers to establish, implement, and maintain a written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.

But embedded in the legislation is a sunset mechanism. Labor Code Section 6401.9(i) directs Cal/OSHA to propose a permanent workplace violence prevention standard to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. The legislature set a hard deadline: the Standards Board must adopt the permanent standard no later than December 31, 2026.

Once the permanent standard takes effect, it will replace SB 553's interim requirements with a more detailed regulatory framework. Employers will need to update their plans to comply with the new standard.

What the Draft Standard Includes

Cal/OSHA submitted a draft of the permanent standard to the Standards Board in late 2025. While the final version may differ after the public comment and hearing process, the draft provides a clear indication of where Cal/OSHA is heading. Key additions beyond the current SB 553 requirements include:

Engineering Controls

The draft standard introduces specific requirements for physical and environmental controls to prevent workplace violence. These may include:

• Physical barriers between employees and the public (security glass, counters, locked vestibules)
• Alarm systems and panic buttons in high-risk areas
• Camera and surveillance requirements for certain worksite types
• Controlled access to employee-only areas
• Lighting standards for parking areas, entry points, and isolated work zones

Under the current SB 553 framework, engineering controls are implied but not explicitly mandated. The permanent standard is expected to make specific controls mandatory for certain industries and risk profiles.

Work Practice Controls

The draft also addresses operational procedures designed to reduce exposure to workplace violence:

• Minimum staffing requirements for certain operations (no solo work in high-risk settings)
• Cash handling limitations and procedures
• Customer/client management protocols for specific industries
• Mandatory buddy systems for employees working late, in isolated areas, or in field assignments
• Post-incident response procedures with defined timelines

Enhanced Training Requirements

While SB 553 already requires initial and annual training, the permanent standard is expected to be more prescriptive about training content:

• Scenario-based training specific to the employer's industry and hazard profile
• Active threat response training (beyond general awareness)
• De-escalation techniques with demonstrated competency
• Training for supervisors on recognizing warning signs and responding to reports
• Documentation requirements for training content, not just attendance

Post-Incident Response

The draft standard places greater emphasis on what happens after an incident occurs:

• Defined response timelines (immediate, 24-hour, 72-hour)
• Required post-incident debriefing for affected employees
• Access to counseling or employee assistance programs
• Plan review triggered by any reported incident, not just on the annual cycle
• Communication protocols for notifying affected employees

What This Means for Employers

If you have already developed a compliant WVPP under SB 553, you are in a better position than most. The permanent standard builds on the same foundation: a written plan, hazard identification, training, incident reporting, and documentation. Employers who have done the work under the current law will need to update their plans, not start from scratch.

If you have not yet developed a compliant plan, the urgency is doubled. You are currently out of compliance with SB 553, and the requirements are about to become more demanding.

Here is what employers should do now:

1. Get compliant with current law first. Do not wait for the permanent standard. SB 553 is enforceable today, and penalties are being assessed now.
2. Build a strong foundation. A thorough, site-specific WVPP under the current law will be easier to update when the permanent standard is adopted.
3. Monitor the Standards Board. The public hearing and comment process is underway. Employers and industry groups can participate and should track proposed changes.
4. Plan for budget impact. Engineering controls (cameras, barriers, access control) cost money. If the permanent standard mandates specific physical measures, employers should begin assessing their worksites and budgeting accordingly.
5. Document everything. The permanent standard is expected to increase documentation requirements. Employers who establish strong documentation practices now will have an easier transition.

What Not to Wait For

Some employers are using the coming permanent standard as a reason to delay action. This is a mistake for two reasons.

First, SB 553 is enforceable now. Cal/OSHA is conducting inspections and issuing citations under the current law. Waiting for the permanent standard does not pause enforcement of existing requirements.

Second, the permanent standard will add requirements. It will not reduce them. Everything required under SB 553 will remain required, with additional obligations layered on top. There is no scenario in which delaying compliance makes the task easier.

How Cynserus Handles the Transition

All Cynserus Pro plans include a 2026 document update commitment. When the permanent standard is adopted, we will update our platform to reflect the new requirements and regenerate affected plan sections for active Pro clients at no additional cost.

The baseline SB 553 plan you build today is the foundation. The permanent standard update is the next layer. Getting the foundation right now is the best investment you can make.