Workplace violence is on the rise. There have been a number of recent incidents that have made local and national headlines. While some may dismiss these as isolated incidents, many states across the country are introducing or expanding laws on workplace violence prevention to address the growing issue.

What is Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence encompasses a wide range of behaviors and conduct, from verbal abuse and intimidation to property damage to physical assault. In the most extreme cases, it can even result in death. Certain jobs face a higher risk of workplace violence than others.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the risk of fatal workplace violence is greater for workers in sales, protective services, and transportation. Workers in these positions, like security guards and taxi drivers, often have higher exposure to situations and individuals that lead to violence. The risk of nonfatal workplace violence is greatest for workers in healthcare and social assistance. Workers in these positions deal with individuals who are in crisis or pain, where violence is more impulsive than premeditated.

The Alarming Reality: Key Statistics on Workplace Violence

A recent survey on workplace violence and safety conducted by Traliant presents a stark picture of violence in the workplace. In the survey, 30% of employees reported that they had witnessed workplace violence happening to another employee. This is an increase from the same survey conducted a year earlier, where 25% of employees reported witnessing violence against a co-worker. Maybe more concerning, the survey indicated 15% of employees surveyed have been the target of workplace violence themselves, up from 12% in the year prior.  

Why Workplace Violence Prevention Training is Critical

Workplace violence is something that employers should take seriously. Being proactive is the most effective way to combat the rise in workplace violence. Training in workplace violence prevention is an important component of this strategy.

The good news is that training in workplace violence prevention is common across industry. Of the more than 1,000 employees surveyed, 75% reported receiving some form of workplace violence prevention training.

Workplace violence prevention training helps employees recognize warning signs and risk factors, and respond to potential threats before they escalate. Training should include identifying the warning signs of escalating behavior. It should also include how to de-escalate a tense situation and prevent it from spiraling into something more violent. Finally, training should address how to respond if and when a violent incident occurs.

Proactive prevention training shows employees that the company has a strong commitment to safety and can help employers mitigate the risks associated with workplace violence incidents.

Preparing for the Worst Case Scenario: An Active Shooter Situation

While workplace violence can take many different forms, an active shooter situation is the most perilous. Preparation is key and a team effort. Workplace violence is not just a policy issue that human resources needs to deal with or a security issue that enterprise risk or safety needs to deal with. It needs to be a collaborative effort to be effective.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance on active shooter situations advises the following:

HR Responsibilities

• Conducting effective employee screenings and background checks
• Developing an effective workplace violence policy, including how to report violent behavior
• Prioritizing employee well-being and making counseling services available to employees
• Develop an emergency action plan; ensure the plan addresses individuals with special needs and/or disabilities

Facility Manager Responsibilities

• Institute access controls, like keys or security system pass codes
• Distribute critical items (floor plans, keys, facility personnel lists and telephone numbers) to appropriate managers or employees
• Coordinate with security/safety on the physical security of the facility
• Assemble crisis kits (radios, first aid kits, flashlights, floor plans, emergency contacts)
• Place removable floor plans near entrances/exits for emergency responders
• Activate the emergency notification system when an emergency occurs

Manager Responsibilities (During an Active Shooter Situation)

• Take immediate action
• Remain calm
• Lock and barricade doors
• Evacuate staff (and customers/clients) via a preplanned evacuation route to a safe area

Key Takeaways

Ultimately, protecting against workplace violence is a shared responsibility that requires a comprehensive, proactive strategy. While no plan can prevent all incidents, a strong commitment to preparation can significantly mitigate risk and protect employees.

By: Audra L. Parton, JD