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Workplace Violence Prevention: Strategies for a Safer Environment

· 5 min read
Patricia Brown
Patricia Brown
VP of Human Resources

Workplace violence is a serious safety concern that affects organizations across all industries. A comprehensive prevention program protects employees, reduces liability, and creates a culture of respect and safety.

Understanding Workplace Violence​

Definition​

OSHA defines workplace violence as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site.

Types of Workplace Violence​

Type I: Criminal Intent

  • Perpetrator has no relationship to business
  • Examples: Robbery, shoplifting, trespassing
  • Common in retail, late-night businesses

Type II: Customer/Client

  • Violence by customers, clients, patients
  • Common in healthcare, social services, education
  • Often related to service dissatisfaction or mental health

Type III: Worker-on-Worker

  • Current or former employee
  • Co-worker conflicts
  • Domestic violence spilling into workplace

Type IV: Personal Relationship

  • Perpetrator has relationship with employee
  • Domestic violence situations
  • Stalking cases

Risk Factors​

Environmental Factors​

  • Working alone or in small numbers
  • Late night or early morning hours
  • High-crime areas
  • Exchanging money with public
  • Delivery or field work
  • Working with volatile persons
  • Lack of physical barriers
  • Poor lighting
  • Isolated locations

Organizational Factors​

  • High-stress environment
  • Understaffing
  • Lack of training
  • Poor communication
  • Inadequate security
  • Tolerance of aggressive behavior
  • Layoffs or restructuring
  • Inconsistent discipline

Individual Factors​

  • History of violence
  • Substance abuse
  • Mental health issues
  • Personal crises
  • Perceived injustice
  • Access to weapons
  • Threatening behavior

Warning Signs​

Behavioral Indicators​

Concerning Behaviors:

  • Increased agitation or anger
  • Verbal threats or intimidation
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Paranoia or suspicion
  • Obsessive behavior
  • Dramatic mood swings
  • Decreased productivity
  • Withdrawal from others

Escalating Behaviors:

  • Direct threats
  • Bringing weapons to work
  • Stalking or following
  • Destroying property
  • Physical altercations
  • Violating restraining orders

Verbal Warnings​

  • "I'm going to get even"
  • "You'll be sorry"
  • "I'll make you pay"
  • Specific threats
  • Obsessive talk about weapons
  • Fascination with violence

Prevention Strategies​

1. Risk Assessment​

Evaluate Workplace:

  • Identify high-risk areas
  • Assess security measures
  • Review incident history
  • Analyze job tasks
  • Survey employees
  • Inspect facilities

Regular Reviews:

  • Annual assessments
  • After incidents
  • When changes occur
  • New locations
  • Emerging threats

2. Security Measures​

Physical Security:

  • Access control systems
  • Security cameras
  • Adequate lighting
  • Panic buttons
  • Physical barriers
  • Secure entry/exit points
  • Visitor management

Procedural Security:

  • Sign-in requirements
  • Escort procedures
  • After-hours protocols
  • Cash handling procedures
  • Secure storage
  • Emergency communication

Personnel Security:

  • Security guards
  • Reception staff
  • Buddy systems
  • Check-in procedures
  • Monitoring systems

3. Policies and Procedures​

Zero-Tolerance Policy:

  • Clear definition of unacceptable behavior
  • Applies to everyone
  • Consequences outlined
  • Reporting procedures
  • Investigation process
  • No retaliation clause

Threat Assessment Team:

  • Multi-disciplinary members
  • HR, security, legal, management
  • Evaluation protocols
  • Response procedures
  • Documentation requirements
  • External resources

Reporting System:

  • Multiple reporting channels
  • Anonymous options
  • 24/7 availability
  • Clear procedures
  • Prompt response
  • Confidentiality protections

4. Training and Education​

Employee Training:

  • Recognize warning signs
  • De-escalation techniques
  • Reporting procedures
  • Emergency response
  • Personal safety
  • Domestic violence awareness

Management Training:

  • Threat assessment
  • Difficult conversations
  • Disciplinary procedures
  • Legal considerations
  • Support resources
  • Crisis management

Specialized Training:

  • Security personnel
  • Reception staff
  • HR professionals
  • Threat assessment team
  • Emergency responders

5. Hiring and Screening​

Pre-Employment:

  • Background checks
  • Reference verification
  • Employment history
  • Criminal records (where legal)
  • Consistent process
  • Legal compliance

Interview Process:

  • Behavioral questions
  • Assess temperament
  • Verify information
  • Multiple interviewers
  • Document concerns

6. Workplace Culture​

Respectful Environment:

  • Clear expectations
  • Consistent enforcement
  • Open communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Anti-bullying measures

Support Systems:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Mental health resources
  • Stress management
  • Conflict mediation
  • Counseling services
  • Peer support

Response Procedures​

Immediate Response​

Active Threat:

  • Run: Evacuate if possible
  • Hide: Secure in place if can't evacuate
  • Fight: As last resort
  • Call 911
  • Alert others
  • Follow law enforcement instructions

Threatening Behavior:

  • Stay calm
  • Don't argue or challenge
  • Listen actively
  • Maintain distance
  • Seek help
  • Document incident

Post-Incident Response​

Immediate Actions:

  • Ensure safety
  • Provide medical care
  • Secure scene
  • Notify authorities
  • Contact management
  • Preserve evidence

Investigation:

  • Gather facts
  • Interview witnesses
  • Review evidence
  • Document thoroughly
  • Determine causes
  • Identify improvements

Support Services:

  • Crisis counseling
  • EAP services
  • Medical care
  • Legal assistance
  • Time off if needed
  • Return-to-work support

Communication:

  • Notify affected parties
  • Provide updates
  • Address concerns
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Media relations
  • Ongoing support

Special Considerations​

Domestic Violence​

Workplace Impact:

  • Abuser may come to workplace
  • Victim safety at risk
  • Co-worker safety concerns
  • Productivity effects
  • Emotional toll

Support Strategies:

  • Confidential reporting
  • Safety planning
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Temporary relocation
  • Security measures
  • Resource referrals
  • Leave options

Terminations and Layoffs​

Risk Mitigation:

  • Respectful process
  • Clear communication
  • Witness present
  • Security awareness
  • Escort from building
  • Access revocation
  • Monitor for threats

Planning:

  • Threat assessment beforehand
  • Security on standby
  • Timing considerations
  • Support resources
  • Follow-up monitoring

Healthcare Settings​

Unique Challenges:

  • Patient violence
  • Visitor aggression
  • Mental health patients
  • Substance abuse
  • Long wait times
  • Stressful situations

Specific Measures:

  • De-escalation training
  • Security presence
  • Panic alarms
  • Safe rooms
  • Restraint protocols
  • Law enforcement partnerships

Employer Obligations​

OSHA General Duty Clause:

  • Provide safe workplace
  • Free from recognized hazards
  • Includes violence prevention

State Requirements:

  • Some states have specific laws
  • Healthcare worker protections
  • Reporting requirements
  • Training mandates

Liability:

  • Negligent hiring
  • Negligent retention
  • Negligent security
  • Failure to warn
  • Inadequate response

Privacy and Rights​

Balance:

  • Employee privacy
  • Safety concerns
  • ADA considerations
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Due process
  • Legal counsel

Measuring Program Effectiveness​

Metrics​

Incident Data:

  • Number of incidents
  • Types of incidents
  • Severity
  • Locations
  • Trends over time

Program Activities:

  • Training completion
  • Reports received
  • Assessments conducted
  • Security improvements
  • Policy compliance

Employee Feedback:

  • Safety perception surveys
  • Reporting comfort level
  • Training effectiveness
  • Awareness levels
  • Suggestions for improvement

Continuous Improvement​

  • Regular program review
  • Incident analysis
  • Benchmark against peers
  • Update based on trends
  • Incorporate best practices
  • Engage stakeholders
  • Adapt to changes

Workplace violence prevention requires commitment from all levels of the organization. By implementing comprehensive policies, providing training, maintaining security measures, and fostering a respectful culture, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of violence and create safer workplaces for everyone.