Proactive Planning Prevents Workplace Violence
Workplace violence incidents are a growing crisis, particularly in high-risk industries like healthcare and corrections. This pervasive issue affects industries across the board, undermining employee well-being, organizational morale, and operational efficiency.
Workplace violence and the threat of violence leaves long-lasting psychological and physical scars. The psychological effects–anxiety and fear, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder–are significant. Physical harm can cause disability, missed work, and in worst case scenarios, death. These stressors also put a strain on personal relationships, leave individuals feeling isolated, and negatively affect job performance and productivity.
Given the ongoing threat of violence, employers should adopt a strategic approach to preventing and responding to violence, including the development of a workplace violence prevention plan. This approach requires an emphasis on proactive planning, training and education, technology-driven communication and security solutions, and fostering a culture of safety.
Growing Workplace Violence
From 2021 to 2022, there were 57,610 nonfatal workplace violence cases resulting in days away from work, job restrictions, or transfers. While workplace violence can occur in any setting, healthcare, service, and education industries were the most affected (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
In 2022, there were 524 workplace homicides of which 83% were caused by gunshot wounds. Since 2011, 2022 had the highest number of homicides and homicides involving gunshot wounds (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
These figures underscore the critical need for proactive measures to address and prevent violence, particularly in high-risk industries where worker safety and workplace violence hazards are more difficult to control. Planning is the first step employers should take to mitigate risk.
Proactive Planning Leads to Prevention
Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Understand Vulnerabilities
The first step to prevention is identifying where your organization is most vulnerable. This involves evaluating risks such as:
- High-stress work environments.
- Contentious employee dynamics.
- Gaps in security protocols.
- Physical security weaknesses.
Partner with local law enforcement agencies or specialized consultants for an objective assessment of these risks. Additionally, stay informed about workplace violence trends in your industry to identify common triggers and patterns that could be mirrored within your organization.
Use this data to develop targeted safety measures, response protocols, and policies that address your organization’s specific needs.
Policy Development
Clear, enforceable policies are a cornerstone of workplace safety. Work with HR and legal teams to define workplace violence and establish a zero-tolerance stance. Ensure policies outline specific behaviors, consequences for violations, and protocols for addressing incidents.
Training is equally critical. All employees should understand these policies and know how to act in potentially violent situations. Regularly reinforce these principles through workshops, role-playing scenarios, and accessible resources.
Cultivating a Culture of Safety and Learning
A positive workplace culture is one of the most effective ways to prevent violence. When employees feel respected, supported, and included, conflicts are less likely to escalate. Invest in programs that prioritize:
- Wellness and mental health support.
- Open communication and conflict resolution.
- Burnout prevention strategies.
Train managers in conflict de-escalation techniques so they can safely intervene and address issues before they escalate into violence.
Physical Security Measures: Your First Line of Defense
Even the most well-prepared organizations must be ready to respond to external and internal threats. Physical security measures are critical for detection, prevention, and mitigation.
Implement:
- Surveillance systems: Use cameras with risk-detection software to identify threats early and provide real-time data to law enforcement during emergencies.
- Emergency alert systems: Equip employees with panic buttons—available through apps, wearable devices, or physical locations—that instantly notify responders and initiate safety protocols.
- Access control systems: Limit entry points, monitor visitor activity, and restrict unauthorized access to reduce risks.
These measures act as a deterrent and a critical tool for rapid response when threats arise.
Incident Response and Recovery
No workplace violence prevention program is complete without a robust incident response plan. Equip employees with the knowledge and technology-enabled tools to respond effectively by providing:
- Communication channels during emergencies
- Evacuation procedures
- Coordination with first responders and law enforcement
Regularly test these plans through drills to ensure their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Success can be measured through metrics such as:
- Reduced incidents of workplace violence
Improved employee perception of safety - Faster response times during drills
- Threat detection
These metrics and others will furnish insights into progress and areas for improvement.