10 Crucial Strategies for Workplace Violence Prevention

While we hope to never face violence in our daily work lives, the reality is that workplace violence can happen, and when it does, it has the potential to affect employees, clients, and business operations. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 2 million U.S. workers report being victims of workplace violence each year. These incidents range from verbal threats to physical assaults, with lasting impacts on everyone involved.

But here's the good news: workplace violence is preventable. It all starts with taking proactive steps to reduce risks, ensuring your team knows how to stay safe, and fostering a supportive environment. At A.L.I.V.E., we believe in empowerment through preparation. It's not just about reacting to violence but creating a workplace that prioritizes safety and actively works to prevent dangerous situations.

What is Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence isn't just about physical harm. It can involve verbal threats, harassment, or even electronic messages that make someone feel unsafe. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines it as "violent acts, including physical assaults and verbal threats, directed toward persons at work or on duty." These acts might come from coworkers, customers, or even someone's personal relationships spilling over into the workplace.

To help businesses prevent workplace violence, California's SB 553 law identifies four types of workplace violence. Understanding these can help companies stay vigilant and protect their employees.

Type 1: Criminal Intent

This is when someone with no legitimate reason to be at the workplace commits a crime - like robbery, burglary, or assault. Imagine a grab-and-run theft or a violent carjacking in the parking lot. These incidents can happen unexpectedly, but they can be prevented with security measures and proper training.

Type 2: Customer or Client

Type 2 violence happens when a customer, client, or patient commits violence against an employee. This is common in service industries, like healthcare or retail, where tensions can escalate quickly. Ensuring that employees know how to de-escalate situations is key to preventing these types of incidents.

Type 3: Worker-on-Worker

Violence between employees is often what people think of when they hear "workplace violence." It can involve conflicts between current employees or even former employees returning to confront their old coworkers. Clear communication and strong HR policies help mitigate these risks.

Type 4: Personal Relationship

When someone has a personal relationship with an employee - a family member, partner, or friend - and brings their conflict into the workplace, this is considered Type 4 violence. Domestic violence situations can often fall into this category, and they pose a serious risk to both the employee involved and others at the workplace.

Understanding these types of workplace violence helps businesses build more effective prevention strategies and creates an environment where employees feel safe.

Why Workplace Violence Prevention Matters

Many businesses may think workplace violence is rare or assume "it won't happen here." Unfortunately, workplace violence is more common than many think, and it doesn't just affect certain industries-it can happen anywhere. That's why it's so important to be prepared because when incidents do happen, they don't just affect the immediate victims. The entire workplace feels the impact, whether it's through emotional trauma, reduced productivity, or worse, long-term damage to the company's reputation.

Think about it: a single violent incident can lead to weeks, even months, of disrupted operations. You're facing medical bills, legal fees, and lost employee time-not to mention the emotional toll it takes on your staff. Employees may be scared to come to work or lose trust in leadership's ability to keep them safe. All of this adds up, and the reality is, that preventing workplace violence isn't just about avoiding the worst-case scenario-it's about creating an environment where people feel safe and valued.

But this isn't about creating fear. It's about being ready and empowering your team to feel confident that their workplace has their back. When you commit to preventing workplace violence, you're showing your employees that their safety is a priority, which helps build trust, loyalty, and ultimately a stronger, more productive workforce.

10 Crucial Strategies for Workplace Violence Prevention

Now that we've covered what workplace violence looks like, let's dive into the steps your company can take to prevent it. Implementing these strategies will make your workplace safer for everyone.

1. Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
Every company needs a clear plan for dealing with workplace violence. This workplace violence prevention plan should outline what behaviors are considered unacceptable, how employees can report threats, and what steps the company will take to address them. Make sure your leadership team is involved in developing this plan so that it reflects the values and priorities of the organization.

Your plan should be easy for everyone to understand and access. Regular training sessions to review the policy will ensure employees know what to do if they see or experience something that feels off.

2. Promote a Culture of Zero Tolerance for Workplace Violence
No one should feel unsafe at work, and that message needs to come from the top. A zero-tolerance policy for harassment, threats, and violence sets the tone that your workplace prioritizes respect and safety. It's not just about enforcing rules - it's about creating a culture where people feel comfortable and protected.

3. Provide Employees with Training to Recognize Early Warning Signs
Violence rarely happens without warning. People often show signs of distress or aggressive behavior before an incident occurs. By training employees to recognize these warning signs, you can prevent issues from escalating. At A.L.I.V.E., we help businesses implement systems where employees can report red flags early, fostering a culture of awareness.

4. Establish Clear, Confidential Reporting Channels
It's essential that employees feel safe reporting concerns, whether it's about verbal threats, odd behavior, or something more serious. Confidential reporting channels - whether through HR, anonymous hotlines, or secure online forms - give employees the security they need to speak up without fear of retaliation.

5. Build and Train a Threat Assessment Team
Your threat assessment team is your first line of defense against potential violence. This group made up of HR, security personnel, and senior leaders, is responsible for evaluating threats and deciding the best course of action. At A.L.I.V.E., we offer training to help teams recognize and respond to threats effectively.

6. Conduct Ongoing Workplace Violence Prevention Training
Prevention training isn't a one-and-done situation. It needs to be ongoing. Regular refreshers ensure employees remember the company's policies and stay aware of potential risks. A.L.I.V.E. offers training that goes beyond active shooter scenarios, covering broader workplace violence prevention strategies.

7. Implement Strong Physical Security Measures
The physical layout of your workplace can either encourage or deter violence. By implementing controlled access points, installing security cameras, and regularly conducting security investigation audits, you can reduce the likelihood of incidents. Pair these measures with employee training on how to use them effectively.

8. Create an Inclusive, Supportive Work Environment
Stress, isolation, and unresolved conflict can all contribute to workplace violence. By creating a work environment where people feel supported and valued, you can help reduce these stressors. Offering mental health resources, conflict resolution programs, and open communication channels can go a long way in preventing violence before it starts.

9. Regularly Conduct Emergency Drills and Simulations
Preparation is key. Emergency drills - whether for active shooters or other types of workplace violence - ensure that employees know how to respond. A.L.I.V.E. specializes in realistic, high-pressure simulations that train employees to stay calm and take appropriate action during crises.

10. Review and Update Your Prevention Plan Regularly
Workplace violence prevention is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your prevention plan to reflect new risks or changes in the workplace. Involving your threat assessment team, leadership, and employees in these reviews helps keep the plan relevant and effective.

Workplace violence isn't something any of us want to think about, but it's something we need to be ready for. The strategies we've outlined here aren't just "nice to have"-they're essential if you want to protect your people and your business. Prevention starts with creating a culture where safety is a core value, not just a policy written in the handbook.

At A.L.I.V.E., we believe in empowering employees with the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe-not just during an emergency, but in preventing incidents from happening in the first place. Our approach isn't about causing unnecessary fear or stress; it's about building readiness and resilience so that, should the unthinkable happen, your team knows exactly what to do.

Remember, prevention is always the best option. Taking these steps today will help protect your workforce, boost morale, and demonstrate that safety is non-negotiable in your workplace. The time to act is now, and A.L.I.V.E. is here to help you make sure your team is prepared, protected, and confident.

For more information about our A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training programs or how we can help you create a comprehensive workplace violence prevention strategy, contact us today.

Workplace Violence Prevention FAQs

What is workplace violence?
Workplace violence includes a range of behaviors, from verbal threats and harassment to physical assaults. It can come from coworkers, customers, or even personal relationships that spill into the workplace. According to NIOSH, it includes any violent act directed toward people at work or on duty.

What are the types of workplace violence?
California's SB 553 law identifies four types of workplace violence:

• Type 1: Criminal Intent - Violence from individuals with no legitimate reason to be at the workplace (e.g., robbery).
• Type 2: Customer or Client - Violence committed by a customer, client, or patient against an employee.
• Type 3: Worker-on-Worker - Violence between employees, including former employees.
• Type 4: Personal Relationship - Violence stemming from personal relationships outside of work that enter the workplace (e.g., domestic violence).

Why is workplace violence prevention important?
Preventing workplace violence protects your employees, reduces financial and reputational risks, and helps foster a safe, productive work environment. Companies that prioritize prevention demonstrate to employees that their safety is valued, building trust and loyalty.

How can companies prevent workplace violence?
Workplace Violence Prevention Plans involve several key strategies:

• Developing a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan.
• Training employees to recognize early warning signs.
• Creating clear, confidential reporting channels.
• Establishing a threat assessment team.
• Conducting regular safety drills and simulations.

What is a workplace violence prevention plan?
A workplace violence prevention plan outlines the behaviors that are considered violent, how employees can report threats, and the steps the company will take to mitigate and respond to those threats. It serves as the foundation for keeping your workplace safe.

How can we encourage employees to report potential threats?
Creating clear and confidential reporting channels-such as anonymous hotlines or secure online forms-encourages employees to speak up without fear of retaliation. It's important to ensure that all reports are taken seriously and handled promptly.

What training should employees receive for workplace violence prevention?
Employees should be trained to recognize early warning signs of violence, respond to threats, and understand how to use physical security measures. Programs like A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training provide comprehensive training that goes beyond just reacting to incidents-it focuses on prevention.

How often should companies conduct workplace violence prevention training?
Workplace violence prevention training should be conducted regularly, not just once. Ongoing refreshers ensure employees stay aware of the policies and are prepared to act when necessary. Regular drills and simulations also help employees feel confident in emergency situations.

How can physical security measures help prevent workplace violence?
Physical security measures-such as secure entry points, surveillance cameras, and keycard access-help control who enters your workplace and monitor for suspicious activity. Regular security audits help identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited in violent incidents.

What is a threat assessment team, and why is it important?
A threat assessment team is a group of HR, security personnel, and senior leaders responsible for evaluating potential threats and determining the best course of action. This team plays a critical role in preventing workplace violence by responding quickly and appropriately to concerns.

What role does workplace culture play in preventing violence?
A positive workplace culture that promotes respect, open communication, and mental health support can help reduce the risk of workplace violence. Stress, isolation, and unresolved conflict are often precursors to violence, so fostering a supportive environment is key.

How does California's SB 553 impact workplace violence prevention?
SB 553 requires all California employers to implement workplace violence prevention plans, conduct risk assessments, and provide employee training. The law applies to all industries, expanding beyond the healthcare sector to include all workplaces in the state.