Employers have numerous legal obligations to their workers. One of the most important requirements relates to training them. California has slightly different requirements than many other states, leading to confusion among both employees and employers regarding mandatory training obligations.
What types of training are typically necessary in California?
Sexual harassment training
California requires mandatory training to educate workers about sexual harassment prevention and misconduct in the workplace. There are different requirements for supervisors as opposed to other employees, and workers must repeatedly undergo the training, typically every two years, to ensure they are up to date on all regulations.
Workplace violence training
Since 2024, most employers in California have been subject to a requirement to train employees about workplace violence. The training should help workers learn how to identify and respond to workplace violence.
Necessary safety training
Depending on the industry and the specific job of the worker, there may be requirements for safety training. Workers need to understand common job hazards, how to use safety equipment and how to handle workplace incidents should they arise.
Industry-specific training
There are various careers that require training on special legal matters, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for those in medical professions. Employers must ensure that they properly train workers about their legal responsibilities and any statutes that may apply at the state and federal levels.
When employers do not adhere to training responsibilities, private sector workers can sustain preventable injuries or experience violations of their rights. Reviewing what training a company previously provided and what the law mandates with a skilled legal team can help workers determine if a violation of employment statutes may have occurred.