Workforce Management

3 Ways to Prevent Workplace Violence

Chelsea Bikner
Prevent Workplace Violence
Reading time 4 Mins
Published on Dec 28
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Workplace violence poses a significant threat to the safety of your workplace. Of the 4,679 fatal workplace injuries reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2014, 403 were workplace homicides. While some things, like reducing falls and removing fire hazards, may be pretty obvious objectives for your safety committee, preventing workplace violence should also be part of every company’s safety strategy. Read on to learn three strategies you can implement to help prevent workplace violence.

What is workplace violence?

Ranging from threats and verbal abuse to physical assault and even homicide, workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs in the workplace. With homicide currently the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the US, workplace violence poses a threat to employees, clients, customers, and visitors to your business.

Implement workplace violence prevention programs

As an employer, you should conduct a thorough assessment of your worksite, identifying opportunities to reduce the likelihood of an incident of workplace violence. Create a formal workplace prevention program that includes engineering controls, administrative controls, and regular training to reduce the incidence of workplace violence. Incorporate the program into your existing safety and health program, employee handbook, and standard operating procedures for your company.

From their first date of employment, you should work to make sure that all employees know and understand the policy and program. Make it clear to employees that all claims of workplace violence will be taken seriously, be investigated, and that a swift remedy will be reached. In order for your program to be effective, you must implement a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence.

Part of your comprehensive program should include an emergency action plan with regular drills conducted to ensure that all employees know what to do in the event of a workplace violence incident. Consider inviting local law enforcement in to help conduct these drills and to conduct mock training exercises.

Know the warning signs

While every employee, customer, or client act differently in the time leading up to an incident, there are some behaviors that they might exhibit that could signal potential future violent behavior. Here are some warning signs that management should be aware of:

  • Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
  • Unexplained absenteeism, a decline in job performance, or changes in behavior
  • Depression, withdrawal, or suicidal comments
  • Resistance to workplace changes or persistent complaining about unfair treatment
  • Violations of other company policies
  • Emotional responses to criticism or frequent mood swings
  • Paranoia

It is important for managers and fellow employees to remember that mental health issues are not always a contributing factor to workplace violence. Employees with mental health issues should not be targeted or singled out as suspects of workplace violence based solely on their mental illness.

Encourage acceptance of differences

Encourage your team members to get to know one another as individuals. Understanding the differences between cultural or racial groups and accepting co-workers on a personal level is a vital factor in team strength and reducing workplace tensions. Conduct team building or icebreaker exercises regularly to help employees develop a sense of comradery and teamwork. Ensure that all employees feel comfortable coming forward to report workplace violence, whether it is directed at them or a fellow co-worker. This can go a long way toward reducing incidents of workplace violence.

Safety and Sheakley

By implementing strategies aimed at reducing the likelihood of violence in the workplace, you are working to ensure the health and safety of your team members, your employees, and your clients. Sheakley can help you develop better policies and provide assistance with developing workplace violence prevention programs to help you achieve your safety goals. Our experts are here to keep your employees and your business safe. Sheakley’s Workforce Management Services experts provide complete safety resources for your company.

Get your free safety consultation today with an expert from Sheakley. Stay up-to-date on all things Sheakley by subscribing to our blog and following us on social media. Join in the discussion by commenting below.


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