Workplace violence: It’s a hard truth that we can’t ignore, and every business leader must take it seriously. April, recognized as Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month, is a reminder to revisit our procedures and ensure our teams feel safe and supported.
Through workplace violence prevention, you are taking action to protect your most valuable asset: your people. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data is alarming: in 2023, 740 workplace fatalities were the result of violent acts (source). In 2021-2022, 57,610 nonfatal workplace violence incidents required time off from work, job transfer, or restriction (source). Awareness and prevention aren’t peripheral issues; they’re fundamental for your people’s safety.
It’s also the law. As a business owner, you’re obligated by OSHA’s (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) General Duty Clause to ensure a work environment free from “recognized hazards” that could cause death or severe injuries. OSHA identifies workplace violence as one of these recognized hazards. Several states have implemented or are in the process of enacting workplace violence prevention laws.
For leaders and business owners utilizing a PEO like Nextep, understanding and mitigating this risk isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating a secure and productive environment for your employees. OSHA defines workplace violence broadly as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening behavior that occurs at the work site” (OSHA.gov). The good news is that the right precautions can sometimes prevent or minimize violence.
Workplace Violence Prevention Action Plan:
✅ Establish a Non-Negotiable Foundation
Zero tolerance is the bedrock of your safety plan. Clearly articulate that you won’t tolerate any act or threat of violence, harassment, or intimidation, regardless of who the perpetrator or target is. Consistently communicate this policy to everyone interacting with your workplace, including employees, clients, vendors, and visitors.
✅ Know Your Risks: Do a Proactive Hazard Assessment
Don’t wait for an incident to occur. Systematically evaluate your specific work environments and job roles to identify potential vulnerabilities. Some professions carry extra risk for workplace violence. Pay extra attention to higher-risk factors. These can include roles involving the exchange of money, transportation, employees working alone or in isolated areas, interactions with the public (especially in volatile situations or where serving alcohol), work in nursing, healthcare, or hospitals, and work during late or early hours or in high-crime areas.
✅ Use Multiple Prevention Strategies
Based on your risk assessment, deploy a combination of protective measures:
- Engineering controls: Make changes to the physical environment to improve safety. These changes could include installing security cameras, improved lighting, physical barriers in high-risk areas, and alarm systems.
- Administrative controls: Establish safe work practices. This may involve a “buddy system” for certain roles, providing mobile phones or panic buttons for at-risk employees, setting protocols for difficult customers, and limiting cash on hand.
- Training and education: Train your employees to recognize potential warning signs, de-escalate tense situations, and understand how to safely respond if violence occurs. OSHA provides several resources and training programs in its Workplace Violence portal.
✅ Foster a Culture of Communication and Trust
Encourage employees to report any safety concerns, suspicious behavior, incidents, or threats without fear of retaliation. Take all reports seriously, investigate them promptly, and remedy them appropriately. For step-by-step guidance on investigations, contact your HR Business Partner at Nextep.
✅ Develop Clear Post-Incident Procedures
Act quickly if workplace violence occurs. This action includes removing the threat, prompt medical treatment (including trauma-informed care), reporting violent incidents to the police, and possibly finding stress debriefing and counseling professionals to help affected employees. Here’s an article on handling immediate threats.
✅ Continuously Review and Improve Your Prevention Program
Workplace violence risks can evolve and change based on a number of factors. Regularly review your prevention program, analyze any incidents, and make adjustments to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.
As a leader using Nextep’s wide range of HR solutions, you have a trusted partner to help you create a safer workplace. Contact us for assistance along the way.
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