Effective July 1st, 2024, SB 553 introduces significant changes that businesses must be aware of. Senate Bill 553 focuses on improving workplace safety and employee protection.  Here Acre explains the new Bill and offers help on how businesses might comply with the use of Enterprises Visitor Management systems and cloud-based access control.

SB 553's regulations apply broadly across various sectors, impacting companies of all sizes and industries. Any business with employees is subject to the requirements set forth by SB 553, including those in high-risk environments such as healthcare, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. Particularly, businesses that involve frequent public interaction or that operate in densely populated urban areas may face greater challenges in implementing the mandated violence prevention measures due to higher exposure to potential violent incidents.

The role of Enterprise Visitor Management systems

• Visitor Tracking: An Enterprise Visitor Management System meticulously can track and log every visitor entering the premises. This creates a comprehensive audit trail, crucial for both security and compliance. It timestamps every entry and exit, providing clear records in case of an incident.

• Pre-Screening and Vetting: By pre-screening visitors against watchlists or internal threat databases, businesses prevent potentially dangerous individuals from entering the premises. This proactive measure safeguards employees and visitors.

• Badge Issuance: An EVMS issues temporary badges that limit visitor access to specific areas, preventing unauthorized entry into sensitive zones. These badges can also include expiration times, ensuring they cannot be reused.

• Emergency Notifications: An EVMS rapidly disseminates emergency notifications to all visitors in case of a security threat, ensuring everyone is informed and can take appropriate action.

Cloud-based access control systems

• Remote Access Management: Cloud-based access control lets administrators manage access permissions remotely. They can instantly grant or revoke access without being on-site, ensuring a quick response to changing security needs.

• Real-Time Monitoring: These systems offer real-time surveillance, enabling security personnel to observe and respond to suspicious activities immediately. Integrated alarms and alerts notify the security team of unauthorised access attempts.

• Data Analytics: Access control systems collect substantial data on entry patterns and access attempts. Analysing this data helps identify unusual patterns or potential security risks, aiding in proactive security measures and informed decision-making.

Integration creates unification

The integration of enterprise visitor management and cloud-based access control systems provides a comprehensive security solution that allows businesses to comply with SB 553 effectively. By combining visitor management and access control, organisations can limit the number of people entering the premises, restrict entry to specific areas, and quickly respond to potential threats. Also, the integration of these systems creates a unified database for tracking and reporting visitor information that can aid compliance with SB 553's documentation requirements.

Fines and consequences of non-compliance

According to Acre, businesses that fail to comply with SB 553 can incur hefty fines. These penalties are designed to enforce strict adherence to workplace safety standards, with fines potentially reaching thousands of dollars per violation. These can accumulate rapidly, particularly if multiple aspects of the legislation are neglected.

Non-compliant businesses are also more susceptible to lawsuits from employees or visitors who encounter workplace violence. Such lawsuits can result in substantial legal fees and settlement costs, further straining financial resources.

Failure to comply with SB 553 can lead to negative publicity, tarnishing the company’s reputation. This can result in loss of business, decreased employee morale, and challenges in attracting top talent.

Workplace violence incidents can cause significant operational disruptions, affecting productivity and overall business performance. Non-compliance heightens the risk of such incidents, as essential preventive measures are not adequately implemented.

A benchmark for workplace safety

SB 553 establishes a high benchmark for workplace safety in California, but businesses can not only meet but surpass these standards with the right technology. Enterprise Visitor Management Systems and cloud-based access control are pivotal tools in this effort, offering robust security, comprehensive compliance records, and a safer environment for everyone.

Acre suggests businesses reassess their security measures and consider adopting these advanced systems to safeguard their workforce and comply with the new legislation.