How to Prevent Workplace Violence? Most Common Types and Action Steps

How to Prevent Workplace Violence

Workplace safety today is a top priority for companies of all sizes and industries. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining a safe and secure working environment is preventing workplace violence.

Unfortunately, workplace violence can happen anywhere, and its effects can be catastrophic for a company. That’s why you must ensure that everyone inside the company is educated on the most common types of workplace violence and how to take proactive measures to prevent such situations.

In this article, we will get into various forms of workplace violence and discuss how to recognize warning signs and red flags that can indicate potential threats to employees.

We will also offer suggestions and tactics to help you establish a secure and respectful workplace environment that benefits everyone.

What is the Definition of Violence?

The definition of violence is complex, and different scholarly sources provide various interpretations. It is generally agreed upon that violence involves some form of harm or force, often with the intent to cause physical, psychological, or emotional damage. However, the scope and interpretation of what constitutes violence can vary greatly.

According to a paper published by the American Psychological Association, violence can contain behaviors that do not necessarily align with traditional examples of violence. This suggests that violence is not limited to physical harm but can also involve psychological or emotional abuse.

Similarly, in his paper published in Sage Journals, Pontara proposes that a broader definition of violence could be beneficial if violence is undesirable and peace is desirable. This suggests that our understanding of violence should be expansive, including not just open acts of aggression but also systemic or structural forms of violence that may be more subtle but equally harmful to individuals.

A study published on ScienceDirect differentiates between two main types of definitions of violence: narrow and broad. The narrow definition of violence is about using physical force in a way that is against the law. But the broader definition includes physical force and things like harmful words, cultural norms, and other ways that people can hurt each other.

Why You Need to Prevent Workplace Violence?

According to OSHA, workplace violence is “defined as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site.

In 2020, 20,050 workers in the private industry experienced trauma from nonfatal violence at work, while in the same year, there were 392 workplace homicides.

Also, workplace violence can be a significant threat to your employees and your company’s overall success and well-being. Its adverse effects can be widespread, resulting in reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and a negative impact on employee morale. Moreover, it can cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and even loss of life. As such, you must prioritize the prevention of violence as part of your unwavering commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees.

Most Common Types of Workplace Violence

Workplace violence can manifest in various forms, each with its characteristics and implications. Understanding the different types is essential for you if you want to identify potential threats and take appropriate prevention measures.

Some can say that there are four types of workplace violence; others can list more, but generally, new times bring new forms of violence. So, let’s explore some of the most common types of violence at work:

1. Physical Assaults

Physical violence involves physical harm or the threat of physical harm to employees. It can range from minor altercations to brutal physical attacks, resulting in serious injuries. Workers, customers, or even external individuals who have access to the workplace can perpetrate physical violence.

2. Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse is the most prevalent type of workplace violence today and refers to using offensive, threatening, or intimidating language toward employees. This violence can create a hostile working environment, leading to emotional distress and psychological harm.

3. Bullying and Harassment

Bullying, also known as horizontal or lateral violence in the workplace, and harassment involves repetitive and intentional behavior that undermines, humiliates, or threatens employees. This can include spreading rumors, excluding individuals from work-related activities, or making derogatory comments. Bullying and harassment can occur in various forms, such as verbal, physical, or cyberbullying.

Lateral violence (bullying) can manifest in various forms, including but not limited to:

  • Verbal abuse: This may involve derogatory comments, insults, or persistent criticism aimed to belittle or humiliate a colleague.
  • Exclusion or social isolation: This includes behaviors intended to alienate a coworker from a group or team.
  • Sabotage: This involves actions intended to undermine a coworker’s performance or reputation.
  • Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying in the workplace refers to the use of electronic communication tools—such as email, instant messaging, social media, or other digital platforms—to harass, intimidate, or otherwise harm employees. This form of bullying can occur both during and outside of working hours, blurring the lines between professional and personal boundaries.
Bullying and Harassment
Source: 2021 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey

4. Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a specific form of violence that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This type of violence creates a hostile working environment, affecting the victim’s emotional well-being and job performance.

5. Ideological Violence

This is a subset of terrorism when a business is targeted by people who disagree with what the business represents. One stereotypical example is a case of animal rights activists breaking into a pet store or a medical laboratory late at night and attacking people they encounter.

Types of Workplace Violence Based on Who Is Involved

The types mentioned above of workplace violence relate to the type of violence, or “what” is happening as violence. We can also look inside different types of violence based on the question “who” is on one or another side. So, according to “who” is involved in the violence, we can have the following types:

1. Assault by Criminals

Criminal intent violence is when strangers have a criminal intent to rob a place; in this process, they hurt people. In this case, we talk about persons with criminal intent who have no legitimate relationship with the business or its employees. The stereotypical example of this is robbers holding up a bank and maybe even shooting cashiers along the way. They don’t have a legitimate relationship with a company in both cases.

The typical targets of persons with criminal intent are cash-rich workplaces with late working hours or money in supply, like banks and pawnshops.

Assault by Criminals at Workplace

2. Dangerous Customers and Clients

You may probably think right away about unpleasant customers whose complaints can turn violent when they’re unappeased. But actually, the most likely victims when this violence occurs are in social service and healthcare settings. The threat of customer violence accounts for most nonfatal workplace violence incidents. This type of threat also accounts for about 20% of all workplace homicides.

To reduce the threat of client-on-worker violence, it helps if workers aren’t sent off alone to deal with any customer. Having another worker helps to discourage a customer from becoming violent.

3. Worker on Worker Violence

Unsurprisingly, when you combine factors such as limited space, tension, and a bad personal relationship, you may have worker-on-worker violence where workers assault one another. One typical example of worker-to-worker violence is when employees assault managers they have reprimanded. Sometimes workers have conflicts and tensions with each other, and this can escalate into worker-to-worker violence.

4. Domestic Violence

Domestic violence happens when the worker’s domestic partner assaults the worker in the workplace. This type of domestic assault doesn’t just happen in the home. It occurs in the workplace also because the partner knows where it is and where the worker will be at certain hours.

This problem usually happens when a worker (usually a woman) tries to separate or divorce their partner. If that partner is known to be violent, the worker should alert the manager about the possible threat that the partner poses.

Measures must be set up to prevent dangerous people from entering the workplace. The threatened worker should also avoid being alone at any time in the workplace (such as in a deserted parking space).

domestic violence
Source: The U.S. Department of Labor

Recognizing Warning Signs of Potential Violence

Identifying warning signs of potential violence in the workplace is crucial for preventing incidents before they occur. While it is not always possible to predict violence with certainty, recognizing red flags can help you and your employees take appropriate action and intervene when necessary.

Here are some common warning signs that may indicate a potential for workplace violence:

  1. Increased Aggression: Visible changes in an individual’s behavior, such as increased anger, irritability, or aggression, may indicate a potential for violence. This can include verbal threats, physical confrontations, or a history of violent behavior.
  2. Social Isolation: Individuals who become increasingly isolated from their coworkers and exhibit withdrawn behavior may be more likely to commit violence. The lack of social connections and an excellent personal relationship can lead to resentment, frustration, and a desire for retaliation.
  3. Substance Abuse: Substance abuse issues can contribute to an individual’s propensity for violence. Employees who display signs of drug or alcohol addiction may be more prone to violent behavior, especially when they are under the substance’s influence.
  4. Obsession with Weapons: Pay attention to individuals with a fascination or obsession with weapons. This can include frequent discussions about firearms, possession of weapons at the workplace, or a history of violent threats involving weapons.
Warning Signs of Potential Violence

How to Develop a Violence Prevention Plan for Your Company?

You should develop a comprehensive prevention plan tailored to your company’s needs and risks to prevent possible violence effectively. This prevention plan must outline strategies, policies, and procedures to create a safe and secure working environment.

Here are some critical steps to consider when developing a workplace violence prevention plan:

  1. Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify all possible risk factors related to potential hazards and vulnerabilities within the workplace. This can involve reviewing past incidents, analyzing the physical layout of the workplace, and assessing the potential for conflicts or confrontations.
  2. Written Policies and Procedures: You must establish a clear, concise, zero-tolerance policy and procedures to address workplace violence prevention. These policies should outline expectations for employee behavior, reporting mechanisms, and consequences for violating the policy.
  3. Employee Education and Training: Provide comprehensive education and training programs to ensure all employees know your company’s violence prevention policies and procedures. This can include training on conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and reporting potential threats.
  4. Effective Communication: Develop a working environment of open communication where employees feel comfortable reporting all concerns or potential threats. Encourage them to report any suspicious behavior, threats, or incidents promptly.
  5. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: You must establish relationships with law enforcement agencies to ensure a coordinated response during a workplace violence incident. Collaborating with them can help you develop effective emergency response plans and access resources for training and support.
Violence Prevention Plan for Your Company

What Should You Train Your Employees?

As we already mentioned, training employees on violence prevention is essential for building a culture of safety and security. Your employees must have the knowledge and skills to identify potential threats and take appropriate action. In such a way, you can significantly reduce the risk of workplace violence.

Here are some key elements to include in your employee training programs:

  1. Types of Violence: Educate employees on the various forms of violence in the workplace and provide examples to enhance their understanding. This will help them to recognize and report potential threats more effectively.
  2. How to Identify Warning Signs: Train your employees to know how to identify warning signs of potential violence, including changes in behavior, verbal threats, or signs of aggression. Encourage them to trust their instincts and report any suspicious behavior promptly.
  3. De-escalation Techniques: Teach your employees about de-escalation techniques to defuse potentially volatile situations. This can include active listening, a calm demeanor, and avoiding confrontational language.
  4. Personal Safety Strategies: Provide your employees with practical strategies to enhance workplace safety. This can include tips on securing personal belongings, utilizing buddy systems, and following established safety protocols.
  5. Reporting Procedures: Communicate the reporting procedures for any potential threats or incidents of violence at work. Ensure they know whom to contact and how to document their concerns safely and confidently.
What Should You Train Your Employees

How to Implement Security Measures to Prevent Violence

Appropriate security measures will prevent violence and create a safe work environment. These measures can act as deterrents and provide a sense of security for employees.

Here are some security measures to consider:

  1. Access Control: Implement access control measures, such as security badges, key cards, or biometric systems, to restrict unauthorized entry to the workplace. Limiting access to the premises minimizes the risk of potential threats.
  2. Surveillance Systems: Install surveillance cameras in strategic locations to monitor the workplace and deter potential perpetrators. Visible cameras can act as a deterrent and provide evidence in the event of a workplace violence incident.
  3. Panic Buttons or Alarms: Install panic buttons or alarms throughout the workplace to allow employees to summon help in an emergency quickly. These devices should be easily accessible and marked.
  4. Adequate Lighting: Ensure the workplace is well-lit indoors and outdoors. Sufficient lighting helps employees feel safer and allows for better visibility, reducing the risk of potential threats going unnoticed.
  5. Security Personnel: Depending on the size and nature of your company, consider hiring security personnel to provide a physical presence and respond to potential security threats. Trained security guards can also assist in developing and implementing security protocols.

Reporting and Responding to Each Violent Incident

Prompt reporting and appropriate response to violent incidents are crucial for mitigating potential harm and preventing future incidents. You should establish clear procedures for reporting and responding to such violence.

Here are some critical steps to follow:

  1. Encourage Reporting: Create a culture encouraging employees to report incidents or concerns about possible violence. Assure your employees that their safety is a top priority and that their reports will be handled confidentially.
  2. Document Incidents: Establish a system for documenting incidents, including detailed descriptions, dates, times, and any witnesses present. Accurate documentation is essential for effective response, investigation, and potential legal action.
  3. Immediate Response: Develop an immediate response protocol to address violent incidents. This can involve contacting law enforcement, providing medical assistance if necessary, and ensuring the safety of all employees.
  4. Investigation and Follow-up: After an incident, always thoroughly investigate the root causes and identify any necessary corrective actions. Follow up with affected employees to provide support, counseling, and any necessary accommodations.
  5. Prevention: Use the information from incident investigations to implement prevention measures and improve safety at the workplace. This can involve revising policies, enhancing training programs, or implementing additional security measures.

Legal Considerations Related to Workplace Violence Prevention

legal considerations

You must also consider legal implications when you develop prevention strategies. Compliance with relevant laws and regulations is essential for protecting employees and the company.

Here are some legal considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations: You must familiarize yourself with OSHA regulations related to violence prevention. OSHA requires employers to provide a safe work environment, including protection from recognized violence hazards.
  2. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidelines: Adhere to EEOC guidelines, which prohibit workplace harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment. Develop policies and procedures that align with these guidelines to protect employees and prevent legal issues.
  3. State and Local Laws: Research all laws with additional requirements or provisions for violence prevention. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws to avoid potential legal consequences.
  4. Privacy Considerations: Remember privacy rights and confidentiality obligations when documenting incidents or implementing security measures. Handle sensitive information appropriately and communicate privacy policies to employees.
  5. Legal Counsel: Consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Legal professionals can provide guidance specific to your organization’s industry, location, and unique circumstances.

Resources to Prevent Violence at the Workplace

Numerous resources are available to help you prevent violence. Here are some valuable resources to consider:

  1. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs offer confidential counseling services and support for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues that may contribute to violence. EAPs can provide resources, referrals, and assistance to affected employees.
  2. Nonprofit Organizations: Various nonprofit organizations focus on violence prevention and provide educational materials, training programs, and resources for companies and employees. Examples include the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the OSHA.
  3. Violence Prevention Consultants: These consultants can provide you with expert guidance and assistance in developing effective prevention strategies. They offer specialized knowledge and experience in the prevention of violence at work.
  4. Training and Education Providers: Numerous training and education providers offer workplace violence prevention program that is adjusted to different industries and companies. These workplace violence training programs can enhance employee knowledge and skills in recognizing and preventing violent behavior.

Conclusion

Reducing workplace violence is a collective responsibility that requires employers’ and employees’ commitment and active participation. Understanding the different types of violence, recognizing warning signs, and implementing preventive measures can create a safe and secure working environment for all. Remember, workplace violence prevention is an ongoing process that requires continuous evaluation, training, and adaptation to evolving risks.