How to Prepare for a Cal/OSHA SB 553 Inspection
Cal/OSHA can inspect your SB 553 compliance at any time. Learn what inspectors look for, how inspections work, and how to be ready.
What Inspectors Look For
A Cal/OSHA inspector evaluating your SB 553 compliance will examine several areas. First, they verify that a written WVPP exists and contains all 12 required sections. They check that the plan is specific to your workplace — a generic template with obvious blanks or inapplicable sections will draw scrutiny. They review your Violence Incident Log for completeness and timeliness of entries. They examine training records to verify all employees have received initial and annual training. They check for documentation of annual plan reviews. They may interview employees to verify they know how to report incidents and understand the emergency response procedures.
The Inspection Process
A typical Cal/OSHA inspection follows a structured process. It begins with an opening conference where the inspector explains the purpose and scope of the inspection. Next comes a document review where the inspector examines your WVPP, VIL, training records, and other documentation. The inspector may conduct a workplace walkthrough to observe conditions and verify that your plan reflects actual workplace conditions. Employee interviews may be conducted privately. The inspection concludes with a closing conference where the inspector discusses preliminary findings.
How to Be Ready
Keep your WVPP, VIL, and training records accessible at all times — ideally in digital format with printed backups. Designate a person who knows where all compliance documents are stored and can present them promptly. Conduct your own internal audits quarterly to identify and fix gaps before an inspector finds them. Ensure all employees know the basics: where the WVPP is posted, how to report incidents, and what to do in an emergency.