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January 15, 2025

Think It Can’t Happen Here? The Reality of Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is a significant occupational hazard that includes a range of harmful behaviors.

According to OSHA, workplace violence is “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the worksite.” This broad definition includes everything from verbal threats to physical assaults and even homicide. Statistics reveal the troubling reality of workplace violence:

Examples include shootings, stabbings, verbal abuse, intimidation, robberies, and physical altercations. These statistics underscore the importance of understanding and addressing workplace violence to protect employees and create safer environments.

Certain industries and occupations are at higher risk of workplace violence.

Workplace violence can affect anyone, but some jobs and industries face greater exposure to risk. High-risk sectors include:

The National Safety Council categorizes workplace violence into four main types:

Workplace violence affects individuals regardless of gender, though data shows women are disproportionately affected by trauma while men are more likely to experience workplace violence-related fatalities.

Recognizing warning signs and risk factors helps prevent workplace violence.

Identifying behaviors that may escalate into violence is an essential step in prevention. While not every concerning behavior leads to violence, sure warning signs indicate increased risk:

Supporting employees’ emotional needs and addressing concerning behaviors early can prevent these tendencies from escalating into aggression or violence.

Workplace violence has far-reaching effects on individuals and organizations.

The consequences of workplace violence are diverse and can significantly impact employees and employers alike. Key effects include:

By understanding these consequences, employers can prioritize prevention and response strategies to minimize harm.

Control measures help prevent workplace violence and build a culture of safety.

Preventing workplace violence requires a multifaceted approach that includes engineering, administrative, and cultural controls: Engineering Controls: Physical measures to enhance safety.

Administrative Controls: Policies and procedures to set expectations.

Cultural Controls: Fostering mutual respect and communication.

These measures, tailored to an organization’s specific needs, can significantly reduce the risk of workplace violence.

All employees have a role to play in preventing workplace violence.

Preventing workplace violence isn’t the responsibility of one person or department—it requires collective effort. Employee Responsibilities:

Management Responsibilities:

Other key personnel, such as safety managers, HR officers, and facilities teams, play vital roles in implementing and maintaining safety measures.

The next steps should ensure ongoing awareness and preparedness.

If you are unsure about your organization’s workplace violence prevention policies, take the initiative to learn more. Reach out to your supervisor or HR representative for information on:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and OSHA offer comprehensive resources to support workplace violence awareness and prevention efforts. This course explains workplace violence and practical measures to mitigate its risks. Consider enrolling in our Workplace Violence Awareness and Prevention Course for additional guidance, in-depth resources, and training materials tailored to your industry. Learn how to foster a safe and supportive environment, prevent incidents, and respond effectively when necessary. Take action today to protect yourself and your colleagues.


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