Lawmakers introduce workplace safety bills

Two prefiled Oklahoma bills could make workplaces safer in the state.

S.B. 1869, to be introduced Feb. 3, would require that employers who provide direct services to clients and licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services create a workplace prevention program and crisis response plan for all workers.

The bill would require these employers to establish a system for centrally recording all threats or incidents or workplace violence, prepare and disseminate a written plan to all workers and implement a workplace violence and crisis response training program.

S.B. 3965, also slated to be introduced in early February, would require hotels to provide all employees working alone in a guest room with a panic button, free of charge. The bill also mandates that hotel employers create a protocol, including training, on how to respond if a panic button is activated, and to post a notice on guest room doors notifying guests that workers carry such devices.

The legislation would fine hotels who violate the law $100 per day, up to $1,000.

Both bills, if signed into law, would take effect Nov. 1, 2020.