Bill > HB1629

This bill establishes comprehensive workplace safety protections for outdoor public workers in Pennsylvania by requiring employers to develop and implement detailed violence prevention strategies. The legislation defines outdoor public workers as employees in roles like sanitation, crossing guards, utility workers, and transportation workers who regularly work in public or non-traditional environments. Employers must create written violence prevention plans that include risk assessments, risk reduction methods, incident reporting procedures, and emergency response protocols. The bill mandates that employers conduct quarterly reviews of workplace violence data, perform semi-annual threat assessments, and create safety teams tailored to specific worker roles. All outdoor public workers must receive mandatory training on recognizing potential violence, de-escalation techniques, and reporting procedures within 30 days of hiring, with refresher training every two years. The legislation also provides worker protections such as paid administrative leave following violent incidents, access to counseling, and legal support. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will oversee data collection, compile annual reports, and establish a grant program to improve safety infrastructure. Employers who fail to comply will face administrative fines and be required to submit corrective action plans, and workers are protected from retaliation when reporting incidents or participating in training. The act will take effect 180 days after passage.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1629