January 16, 2026 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — California regulators are taking a significant step toward expanding employer responsibilities under the state’s workplace violence prevention framework. Cal/OSHA’s revised draft regulations would clarify and broaden how employers must comply with Labor Code §6401.9, signaling a more aggressive enforcement posture as workplace violence incidents continue to draw scrutiny across multiple industries.
The updated proposal, now open for public comment, reflects feedback gathered from labor groups, employers, and safety advocates since the original rulemaking effort. Stakeholder submissions are due by mid-July, with final regulations expected later this year.
Why Cal/OSHA Is Reworking Workplace Violence Prevention Standards
California enacted Labor Code §6401.9 to require most employers to establish, implement, and maintain a written workplace violence prevention plan. However, regulators say early enforcement efforts revealed gaps in how employers interpreted their obligations.
Cal/OSHA’s revised draft aims to close those gaps by providing more detailed expectations around hazard identification, incident response, employee training, and recordkeeping. The agency has emphasized that inconsistent implementation has weakened the law’s effectiveness, particularly in healthcare, social services, retail, and public-facing workplaces.
What Employers Would Be Required to Do Under the Revised Rules
How compliance obligations may expand
If adopted, the revised regulations would require employers to take a more proactive and documented approach to preventing workplace violence. Key changes include:
- Broader hazard assessments that account for evolving risks, not just past incidents
- More detailed training requirements, including refresher training when conditions change
- Enhanced incident documentation, with clearer timelines and retention standards
- Greater employee involvement, ensuring workers understand reporting procedures and protections against retaliation
These clarifications could significantly increase compliance workloads, especially for employers that previously relied on generic safety policies.
How regulatory clarity can increase risk for noncompliance
While the revised rules are designed to improve worker safety, they also raise the stakes for employers that fall short. Clearer standards make it easier for Cal/OSHA to cite violations, and documentation failures may now carry greater enforcement consequences.
For employers already facing rising workers’ compensation claims and employment litigation, expanded workplace violence prevention duties could translate into higher compliance costs—and greater exposure if incidents are not properly addressed.
What Happens Next in the Rulemaking Process
Cal/OSHA is currently accepting public comments on the revised draft, with feedback expected from employer groups, unions, and legal organizations. Once the comment period closes, the agency may further revise the proposal before moving toward formal adoption.
Employers are being encouraged to review their existing workplace violence prevention plans now, rather than waiting for final rules, to identify potential compliance gaps.
Readers can review Cal/OSHA’s workplace violence prevention materials and regulatory updates through the California Department of Industrial Relations.
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FAQs: Labor Code §6401.9 Explained
What is Labor Code §6401.9?
It is California’s workplace violence prevention law requiring most employers to implement a written plan addressing violence hazards, training, and incident response.
Who must comply with the Cal/OSHA workplace violence rules?
Most California employers are covered, with limited exceptions, particularly those with public-facing or high-risk work environments.
Are the revised Cal/OSHA regulations final?
No. The current version is a revised draft, and public comments are being accepted before final adoption.
What should employers do now?
Employers should review existing prevention plans, training records, and incident procedures to prepare for stricter enforcement.