Am I covered by workers' comp if I'm assaulted on post?

Generally yes, injuries arising out of and in the course of employment are typically covered.

What is a workplace violence prevention plan?

It is a written plan required under SB 553 describing how an employer identifies and responds to workplace violence risks.

Can I be retaliated against for reporting an injury?

Retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim is generally prohibited under California law.

Who investigates serious workplace injuries?

Cal/OSHA, a division of the Department of Industrial Relations, investigates serious injuries and safety violations.

Discrimination, safety & civil rights

Workplace Safety, Injuries and Workers' Comp for Security Officers

Updated 2026-08-04 · 9 min read · Sacramento, CA dispatch

PPO #122730

Short answer

Security officers injured on the job in California are generally entitled to workers' compensation, and employers must comply with Cal/OSHA safety rules, including the SB 553 workplace violence prevention plan requirements that took effect in 2024.

Workers' compensation basics

California requires nearly all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance covering job-related injuries, including assaults or injuries sustained by a guard during a shift.

An injured officer should report the injury promptly and complete a claim form, which the employer is required to provide.

Cal/OSHA also investigates serious workplace injuries and can cite employers for safety violations.

Key safety obligations

Requirement	Who it applies to	Source
Workplace violence prevention plan	Most California employers	SB 553 / Labor Code § 6401.9
Injury and illness prevention program	Most California employers	Cal/OSHA Title 8
Serious injury reporting	Employers, within 8 hours	Cal/OSHA

Steps after an on-duty injury

Report the injury to a supervisor as soon as possible
Request and complete the workers' compensation claim form
Seek medical treatment through the employer's designated network if applicable
Keep copies of all forms and medical records

Research and education only

This page is provided by Summit Force Security Group for research and education purposes only. Summit Force Security Group is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation.

For questions about a specific injury or claim, consult a licensed California attorney or contact the Department of Industrial Relations.

Official sources & local data

We link to the agencies rather than reprinting them, so you always land on the current version. Summit Force is not affiliated with or endorsed by any agency listed here.

The services this applies to

Where we cover this

Questions we get every week

Workplace Safety, Injuries and Workers' Comp for Security Officers — the follow-ups

Am I covered by workers' comp if I'm assaulted on post?: Generally yes, injuries arising out of and in the course of employment are typically covered.
What is a workplace violence prevention plan?: It is a written plan required under SB 553 describing how an employer identifies and responds to workplace violence risks.
Can I be retaliated against for reporting an injury?: Retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim is generally prohibited under California law.
Who investigates serious workplace injuries?: Cal/OSHA, a division of the Department of Industrial Relations, investigates serious injuries and safety violations.

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Research only — not legal advice

Summit Force Security Group (PPO #122730) is a licensed private patrol operator, not a law firm. Nothing on these pages is legal advice.
We do not represent anyone in any legal, administrative, or employment matter, and reading this library creates no attorney-client relationship.
As a courtesy we summarize publicly available statutes, agency guidance, and well-known court decisions, and we link to the official source so you can read the primary text yourself.
Laws change and courts reinterpret them. Verify the current text at the official source and consult a licensed California attorney or the relevant agency about your own situation.
Nothing here implies endorsement or affiliation with BSIS, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Labor Commissioner, the Civil Rights Department, Cal/OSHA, the State Bar, or any court.