October 01, 2005

AB1825 Requires Sexual Harassment Training For Supervisors In California

According to the California Department of Labor; “By January 1, 2006, an employer having 50 or more employees shall provide at least two hours of classroom or other effective interactive training and education regarding sexual harassment to all supervisory employees who are employed as of July 1, 2005, and to all new supervisory employees with six months of their assumption of a supervisory position. Any employer who has provided this training and education to a supervisory employee after January 1, 2003, is not required to provide training and education the January 1, 2006, deadline. After January 1, 2006, each employer covered by this section shall provide sexual harassment training and education to each supervisory employee once every two years. The training and education shall include information and practical guidance regarding the federal and state statutory provisions and practical examples aimed at instructing supervisors in the prevention of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.” This document can be viewed on the State of California website at www.spb.ca.gov/spbtrain/ab1825.htm.

In California, employers and employees can be found personally liable if claims of sexual harassment are substantiated. However, claims of sexual harassment may be mitigated in certain circumstances if proper training has been provided to supervisors and employees. Employees who have been properly trained and understand what truly constitutes sexual harassment are less likely to file fraudulent claims of sexual harassment. Zero tolerance policies are mandated by EEOC and must be communicated to your entire staff.

It is not too late to properly train your employees and minimize your risk. Orion Risk Management can provide the training required by the State of California and the federal government. For more information concerning sexual harassment training or other human resources consulting services, please contact Michaelee Stack, Director of Human Resource Consulting at (949) 263-8850.