Preventing Workplace Violence

Written By Nathan Meehan Ph.D.

We should also be safe at work. Regretfully, that is not always the case. Whether it manifests as physical assaults, verbal abuse, harassment, or acts of aggression, workplace violence poses a significant threat that transcends industry boundaries. While certain industries, such as healthcare, law enforcement, and retail, may face higher risks due to the nature of their work, no sector is immune to the potential for violence in the workplace.  

In this post, we will describe the impact of workplace violence, highlight some steps that organizations can take to reduce the risk of violence, and provide some resources for your workplace.  

The Impact of Workplace Violence  

Workplace violence is the second leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the U.S. Federal data indicates that between 1992 and 2019, nearly 18,000 people were killed at work or in violence that was work-related. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also shows that workplace fatalities due to violence and intentional injury were up by 11.6% in 2022, while workplace homicides were up by 8.9%. 

More statistics on workplace violence are included below.

These sobering statistics highlight the need for proactive measures to prevent and mitigate the risk of workplace violence.

Workplace Violence Prevention Planning 

More and more employers are recognizing the paramount importance of workplace violence prevention planning. By taking decisive action to foster safe and respectful work environments, businesses can better protect their employees and mitigate the risks associated with workplace violence.  

Many state OSHA agencies have workplace violence rules for specific industries, but no specific federal OSHA standards exist for workplace violence across industries.  However, SB 553 is a new legislation taking effect this summer in California. SB 553 will require employers from all industries to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans specific to the job's hazards, implement a violent incident log, and provide employee training on workplace violence.  

To learn more about California’s new legislation, check out the following resources:  

Workplace violence prevention plans aim to assess and mitigate the risk of violence in the workplace, establish protocols for responding to violent incidents, implement procedures for reporting incidents of violence, providing training to employees on recognizing and preventing violence, and conduct workplace violence hazard assessments.   

These plans typically include the following components:  

  • Description text goes here Identifying potential sources of violence in the workplace, such as conflicts between employees, interactions with clients or customers, or external threats. 

  • Establishing clear policies and procedures for reporting and addressing incidents of violence or threats of violence. This may include protocols for escalating concerns to management or security personnel.

  • Providing employees with training on recognizing the warning signs of potential violence, de-escalation techniques, and how to respond effectively to violent incidents. 

  • Implementing physical security measures, such as access controls, security cameras, and panic alarms, to deter violence and respond quickly in the event of an incident. 

  • Offering support services for employees who have experienced or witnessed violence in the workplace, such as counseling or employee assistance programs. 

  • Establishing clear channels of communication for employees to report concerns or incidents of violence, and ensuring that all employees are aware of the organization's policies and procedures. 

  • Maintaining a log of all workplace violence incidents to track the frequency, nature, and outcome of workplace violence incidents.  

To learn more about workplace violence prevention plans, check out the following resources: 

Situational Awareness in the Workplace 

Among the strategies for preventing workplace violence, situational awareness emerges as a critical factor. Situational awareness involves being cognizant of one's surroundings, recognizing warning signs of potential threats, and proactively taking measures to mitigate risks. As a leader, you can enhance the safety of your own workplace by encouraging your employees to practice situational awareness. 

 To learn more about the benefits of situational awareness training, check out our companion post, "The 4 Benefits of Situational Awareness," on our blog. At Second Sight Training Systems, we recognize its paramount importance in fostering a safe and secure work environment.

Our Situational Awareness for Safety training equips employees with the knowledge and skills to enhance their awareness of potential threats and effectively respond to them. After only a short time, your personnel will be systematically observing what they see, looking for patterns of behavior, identifying threatening individuals or situations, and recognizing actions to take based on their observations. 

 Participants report significant value from this training 

  • 93.9% report being better prepared to look for threats 

  • 93.3 report the course left them better prepared to take action and stay safe 

  • 92% report the skills learned in the course will assist them in their job.  

 With a proven track record of providing this training to thousands, we are committed to empowering all industries to prioritize workplace safety. Our 1-hour online training is available right now and can accommodate any number of employees. Alternatively, we have a 2-hour virtual and in-person instructor-led training. 

Get in Touch 

By investing in situational awareness training, leaders and managers can significantly reduce workplace violence risk and create a safety culture within their organizations. Employees can identify and address potential hazards through heightened awareness and proactive intervention before they escalate, ultimately fostering a more secure and productive workplace environment. 

Together, let us prioritize safety and well-being, ensuring every employee feels safe at work. Contact the team at Second Sight to learn more about getting situational awareness training in your workplace.  

Nathan Meehan Ph.D.
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