Creating a Safer Workplace Through Effective Violence Prevention Planning

Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Workplace violence is a serious safety threat affecting employees across all industries. In 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 740 fatalities due to violent acts in the workplace. Preventing fatalities and injuries is a top concern when addressing workplace violence; however organizational, financial, and emotional consequences can also arise from violent incidents in the workplace. Employers should implement a clear Workplace Violence Prevention Plan to keep employees and their organization safe.

What is Workplace Violence?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace violence as, “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening behavior that occurs at the work site.” Employees, clients, customers, and visitors can all be affected by and involved in incidents of workplace violence.

Employees in healthcare, retail or transportation are especially at risk because of the public nature of their work. BLS data shows healthcare and social assistance workers “accounted for 73% of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses due to violence in 2018.”

How Can Employers Protect Their Employees?

The best way to protect employees is through the implementation of clear and well-enforced violence prevention guidelines, often in the form of a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan. These plans set a zero-tolerance precedent toward workplace violence for all workers, contractors, clients, patients, and visitors. Cal/OSHA mandates employers “establish, implement, and maintain a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan;” however, regulations may vary by state so be sure to check with your specific state guidelines.

When building a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, Cal/OSHA requires the plan include:

• Prohibiting employee retaliation

• Accepting and responding to reports of workplace violence

• Employee workplace violence training and communication.

• Emergency response

• Workplace violence hazard assessments

• Other requirements, such as maintaining a Violent Incident Log.

Although there are no current specific OSHA standards for workplace violence at the federal level, OSHA recommends a Workplace Violence Prevention Program “ensure that all workers know the policy; are trained on prevention methods, signs for potential violent behavior, and how to effectively react when an incident occurs; and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied promptly.”

What Steps Should Employers Take Following a Workplace Violence Incident?

A Workplace Violence Prevention Program is an excellent proactive step in keeping your employees and organization safe. However, there may be times when employers will need to be reactive following a violent incident.

Employers should provide prompt medical evaluation and treatment for all injured and affected persons. Violent incidents should be reported to local law enforcement. Victims should be informed of their legal avenues for prosecution and violent incidents should be investigated by the organization. Employers should also communicate with staff honestly about the incident and discuss ways to avoid similar situations, including reviewing and updated workplace policy.

Violent incidents should be recorded in an employer’s OSHA 300 logs.

Resources

While every Workplace Violence Prevention Plan is unique to its organization, Rancho Mesa offers a variety of sample policies, and online trainings through the RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal and SafetyOne™ platform.