The escalating prevalence of workplace violence (WPV) has triggered a growing number of policyholders seeking our guidance on implementing controls to tackle this pressing issue. WPV encompasses a broad spectrum of acts - from verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicides - that impact both targeted individuals and bystanders. In 2020, data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an alarming 37,060 nonfatal injuries occurred due to intentional injury and 392 workplace homicides. Shockingly, recent data reveals a 11.6% surge in fatalities resulting from violence and other injuries in 2022 compared to the previous year.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is vital for cultivating a positive and productive work environment. Businesses can effectively address WPV by developing and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures that focus on risk assessment, environmental enhancements, employee support mechanisms, emergency preparedness, and training initiatives.

One crucial step in addressing WPV is conducting a meticulous risk assessment (RA) to identify potential threats and implementing necessary protective measures. The RA involves understanding the various forms of WPV, such as incidents involving criminal intent, customer aggression, coworker conflicts, and violence stemming from personal relationships. Subsequently, identifying potential risk areas and hazards which includes investigating past incidents, evaluating the work environment, assessing job tasks, analyzing organizational factors, and seeking input from employees, enforcement agencies, and experts.

Following the completion of the RA, the attention should shift to areas with the highest propensity for violence and implementing modifications to the environmental layout. Well-thought-out design changes can serve as deterrents to potential perpetrators and minimize opportunities for violent incidents. Considerations for modifying the environment include the layout of the facility, workplace design, physical security measures, emergency response plans, and post-incident strategies.

Establishing robust support systems is essential to ensuring that employees feel secure and safeguarded. These support systems may include a zero-tolerance policy for WPV, an internal employee assistance program, and open-door policies that allow employees to address workplace disputes with supervisors and managers.

Emergency planning (EP) is another critical facet of WPV prevention that necessitates the involvement of all internal and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated responses during emergencies. EP efforts should encompass communication strategies, lockdown drills, evacuation procedures, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Encouraging the utilization of the buddy system, promoting situational awareness among employees, and numbering facility doors are additional preventive measures that businesses can implement.

• Level 1 includes observing early warning signs. The use of de-escalation techniques may assist within this level.  
• Level 2 situations occur when de-escalation techniques are ineffective and/or the situation does not improve, it may be recommended to call 911.  
• Level 3 situations require immediate emergency response. The safety of employees and bystanders must be taken into consideration and, if necessary, employees should be trained to leave the area if their personal safety is at risk. In this situation, employees should call 911 immediately.  

While eradicating every instance of WPV may not be feasible, businesses can enhance their preparedness by developing and implementing clear WPV policies and procedures outlining preventive measures, response protocols, and strategies for managing incidents. Investing time in crafting a comprehensive action plan today can be time consuming but will significantly enhance the overall safety and well-being of all employees in the workplace.

This holistic approach to addressing WPV is essential to create an environment where employees feel empowered, protected, and valued. By prioritizing prevention, intervention, and support strategies, businesses can proactively nurture a culture of safety and mitigate the risks associated with workplace violence and more.

Related MEMIC resources:

Blogs:

• Workplace Violence Remains a Serious Issue (memic.com)
• Resources Abound to Stem Increase in Workplace Assault (memic.com)

Podcast:

• Workplace Violence – Strategies for Prevention with Corey Jones - MEMIC

Other resources:

• CDC: About Workplace Violence
• National Safety Council: Workplace Violence
• Cornell Law School: Model Policy/Toolkit

Posted by Peter McCabe and Olga Lopez