Workplace Violence: Ensuring Employee Safety and Understanding Your Role

What comes to mind when you think of workplace violence?

Have you ever considered what scenarios are involved when someone mentions “workplace violence”? Maybe you’ve even witnessed it or been a victim yourself. If so, you might wonder if those situations could have been prevented or handled differently. Workplace violence is a reality that extends beyond physical harm, and it’s a responsibility for everyone to address.

Everyone deserves a safe work environment

OSHA makes it clear: every employer is responsible for providing a safe place to work, free from hazards that could cause serious physical harm. Workplace violence is one of those hazards, and it’s a serious issue that affects everyone. Just like workplace harassment, it doesn’t only impact certain employees—it can affect the entire workforce.

What exactly is workplace violence?

OSHA defines workplace violence as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behaviors that occur at the workplace. This could include anything from verbal abuse to physical assault. It’s important to understand the scope of workplace violence because it can come in many forms. Unfortunately, incidents of workplace violence are more common than you might think. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 14% of fatal workplace injuries are the result of intentional injury.

Workplace violence can affect anyone.

Workplace violence doesn’t discriminate—it can happen to anyone, in any field. However, some jobs are more prone to it. For example, those working in healthcare and social services are often at a higher risk. It’s not just limited to these industries, though. Jobs like commuter services, convenience store clerks, educators, and law enforcement personnel also face a significant risk of violence. Workplace violence can come from a variety of sources: co-workers, customers, supervisors, and even intruders. The National Safety Council breaks these down into four categories: criminal intent, customer/client, worker-on-worker, and personal relationship. Everyone is at risk, and it’s important to stay aware that workplace violence can happen anywhere.

How to recognize the warning signs of potential violence.

It’s crucial to understand the warning signs of workplace violence so you can intervene before things escalate. While not every concerning behavior leads to violence, it’s important to address warning signs when they appear. Some of these might include:

• Angry outbursts, yelling, or slamming doors
• Blaming others and refusing to accept responsibility
• Avoidance behaviors or addiction issues
• Lack of care for others or being overly selfish
• Rigid thinking and refusal to see different points of view

The goal here is not to label someone, but to identify behaviors that could lead to larger issues if left unchecked. The sooner you intervene with positive support, the less likely it is for workplace tensions to turn into violence.

The impact of workplace violence can go far beyond the incident itself.

Workplace violence doesn’t just affect the person directly involved—it affects the entire work environment. The consequences of such incidents can be severe, from loss of life and property damage to lowered morale and psychological trauma. It can even lead to higher security costs and negative publicity for the company. That’s why it’s essential to take the threat of workplace violence seriously and to be proactive in preventing it.

Prevention starts with control measures.

Everyone plays a role in preventing workplace violence, but there are also specific control measures that can help reduce the risk. These controls can be built into the workplace environment, company policies, and even the culture of the organization.

Engineering controls: These are physical measures designed to protect employees, such as security systems, proper lighting, or areas for de-escalation.

Administrative controls: These include clear zero-tolerance policies for violence and threats, tracking employees and visitors, and avoiding isolated areas where people might be vulnerable.

Cultural controls: Encouraging open communication, mutual respect, and support in the workplace goes a long way in building a culture that discourages violence. While this isn’t something you can implement overnight, it’s essential for long-term prevention.

What is your role in workplace violence prevention?

Preventing workplace violence is everyone’s responsibility, from employees to management. Employees should know the company’s policies, follow safety measures, and report any concerns. Managers and supervisors are responsible for communicating policies, investigating reports, and providing the necessary training to help employees de-escalate potential threats. It’s also important for key personnel, such as safety managers, human resources officers, and facilities management, to work together in identifying potential risks and ensuring the company is prepared to respond to workplace violence effectively.

Don’t know your role? Ask questions and take the next steps.

If you’re unsure about your responsibilities or your company’s policies on workplace violence, now is the time to ask. Reach out to your supervisor or human resources department to get the information you need. They should be able to help you identify any specific risks in your work environment and guide you through the steps to take if you witness or experience violence at work. OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer helpful resources to raise awareness and prevent workplace violence. By staying informed and taking action, you can help create a safer work environment for everyone. Workplace Violence is serious. Learn about OSHA guidance, agency responsibilities, and mitigation strategies with our Workplace Violence Training Course!

References Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – “Workplace Violence Prevention” Available at: https://www.osha.gov/workplace-violence

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – “Workplace Safety and Health Topics: Workplace Violence”Available at:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/violence/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/violence/default.html

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – “Workplace Injuries: Fatal Occupational Injuries by Event” Available at: https://www.bls.gov/iif/

These resources provide further insights and guidelines on how to recognize, prevent, and manage workplace violence.