Each year, an average of nearly 2 million U.S. workers report having been a victim of violence at work, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the number of annual workplace homicides at around 400 per year.
In 2022, the Society of HR Management conducted a survey that found 28 percent of U.S. workers have either witnessed aggressive interactions between coworkers (20 percent) and/or have been involved in them personally (8 percent). While no prevention plan is an absolute protection against violence at work, understanding how to prepare for and react to violent conduct at the workplace is critical.
So, what is defined as workplace violence?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines workplace violence as the act or threat of violence, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assaults, directed toward people at work or on duty. Workplace violence also may include acts that result in damage to an organization’s resources or capabilities. Domestic violence that spills over into the workplace in the form of assaults, threats or other actions by outside parties is also considered an act of workplace violence.
As an employer, the ultimate goal is to make sure your company and your employees are prepared for violence so you can minimize casualties and respond quickly in the event of a violent incident. You can start by creating a Workplace Violence Plan, including the following key components:
- Management buy-in and employee participation. Management commitment, including the endorsement and involvement of senior management, will provide the motivation and resources necessary for a successful initiative. In addition, it is imperative to include employees at all levels of the organization. Asking for employee feedback allows workers to share their broad range of experience and skills, providing a different perspective and viewpoint to identify workplace violence hazards.
- Onsite Site Assessment. Conducting an onsite site assessment to evaluate your organization’s vulnerability is a vital step in preparing a workplace violence prevention plan. During a site assessment, SEC will review your current policies, procedures, and infrastructure to determine gaps in security. The site assessment will thoroughly examine your facility and conduct onsite interviews with key staff and leadership.
- Hazard prevention and control. Following the onsite site assessment, your organization will be able to identify any potential vulnerabilities that may exist and can then implement appropriate controls to eliminate or mitigate those risks. OSHA recommends the following:
- Substitution of the hazardous practice with a safer work practice such as the use of “buddy systems” when personal safety may be in jeopardy.
- Physical changes that either remove the hazard or create a barrier between the worker and the hazard, such as doors and locks, metal detectors, panic buttons, improved lighting, and accessible exits.
- Changes in work practices and administrative procedures such as a visitor sign-in process or a requirement for home health care workers to contact the office after each in-home visit.
- Workplace Safety training. Training should be provided at all levels of the organization upon hire and at least annually thereafter. Staff should be trained on identified hazards and control measures; risk factors for occupations; ways to prevent or diffuse volatile situations; the location and use of safety devices such as alarm systems and panic buttons; and other topics identified by the employer.
- Record-keeping and program evaluation. Maintenance of records is required, including required logs of work-related injuries and illnesses, workers’ compensation records, training records, safety committee minutes, and the identification and correction of recognized hazards.
Prevention costs far less than response. If you can save a life—or many—the return on investment will be well worth it.