S.851: Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

S. 851 would require the Department of Labor to address workplace violence in the health care and social service sectors by creating occupational safety and health standards that require certain employers in those sectors to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for protecting their employees from workplace violence.

These “safety and health plans” must include; (1) investigations of workplace violence incidents, risks, or hazards; (2) provide training and education to employees who may be exposed to workplace violence hazards and risks; (3) adequate record-keeping; and (4) prohibit acts of discrimination or retaliation against employees for reporting workplace violence incidents.

H.R. 1309 is the House companion bill, which passed the House on November 21, 2019.