What training is mandatory in California workplace
Where training is required, it generally must be provided in a language and at a level that the employee can understand
The back-to-school season seems a fitting time for a reminder about California laws that require employers to provide training to their employees.
In addition to laws applicable to all or most employers, there are dozens of industry-specific training mandates, such as those requiring training of agricultural employees, amusement ride employees and healthcare employees. Where training is required, it generally must be provided in a language and at a level that the employee can understand.
Sexual harassment prevention training
Government Code section 12950.1 requires employers with five or more employees to provide one hour of interactive sexual harassment prevention training to their nonsupervisory employees and two hours of such training to supervisors. The initial training must be given within six months of hire and every two years thereafter. A nonsupervisory employee who is promoted to a supervisory position must be given the two-hour training within six months of being promoted.
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) provides free online training in six languages that complies with the statute. Employees who complete the training may save or print a certificate.
Government Code section 12950.2 authorizes, but does not require, employers to provide bystander intervention training “that includes information and practical guidance on how to enable bystanders to recognize potentially problematic behaviors and to motivate bystanders to take action when they observe problematic behaviors.” CRD’s online training addresses effective bystander intervention.
Occupational hazard training
Labor Code section 6401.7 requires employers, as part of their injury prevention program, generally “to instruct employees in general safe and healthy work practices and to provide specific instruction with respect to each employee’s job assignment.” This is part of the duty of all employers under Labor Code section 6400 to provide their employees “a place of employment that is safe and healthful.”
Hazard training must be updated when employees are given a new job assignment and “whenever new substances, processes, procedures, or equipment are introduced to the workplace.” The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has exercised its authority under the law to adopt less demanding standards for employers with few employees and for employers “with insignificant occupational safety and health hazards,” such as many traditional office-based occupations.
Click here to read the full article written by SCMV Shareholder Dan Eaton and published in The San Diego Union-Tribune.