Bill > H2142

This bill requires human service employers (defined as organizations with five or more employees in healthcare, social services, or human service agencies) to take comprehensive steps to prevent workplace violence. Specifically, employers must conduct an annual risk assessment in cooperation with employees and their labor representatives, identifying potential hazards such as working in high-crime areas, working alone, or in settings with uncontrolled public access or potential for violent behavior. Based on this assessment, employers must develop and implement a written violence prevention plan that includes employee training on reporting incidents, methods for reporting to public safety officials, and a system for monitoring violence-related incidents. The plan must detail specific risk factors, methods to mitigate those risks (like changes in staffing or security), and a reporting mechanism. Additionally, employers must designate a senior manager to create an in-house crisis response team to support employees who experience workplace violence, offering services like crisis counseling, support groups, and professional referrals. The bill empowers the commissioner of labor to create implementing regulations and establishes penalties of up to $2,000 for violations, with potential workplace closure for serious infractions. Importantly, the bill also protects employees from retaliation for reporting workplace safety concerns.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2142