In the U.S., nearly 2 million workers report having been the victims of workplace violence each year. For perspective, this represents about 1% of the American labor force.  In 2020, assaults resulted in 20,050 injuries and 392 fatalities, according to NSC.

It’s a best practice for employers to have policies and plans in place to deter and address unacceptable behaviors that may precede workplace violence. However, only a small majority (52%) of employers have adopted a zero-tolerance workplace violence prevention policy according to a Littler Mendleson Executive Employer Survey Report. Another 11% of employers haven’t taken any action.

Workplace Violence Defined
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace violence as any type of act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation that occurs at a work site. Note: workplace violence isn’t just physical.

Employees or nonemployees, including clients, employees’ partners, vendors, or strangers, can carry out any of these acts of workplace violence.

• Harassment
• Threats
• Verbal abuse
• Psychological trauma
• Property damage
• Physical attacks

Why Does Workplace Violence Occur?
The International Labour Organization issued a report summarizing global research on workplace violence cases. It suggested that workplace violence may be related to low employee morale or a low safety culture, especially for healthcare facilities.

If you think about it, dealing with stressed, volatile managers in addition to staffing shortages, inadequate training, and high-pressure industry demands may push some employees to their breaking points. If no one intervenes, the undesirable behaviors will likely continue and may even escalate.

In addition, Americans have broad exposure and access to guns. A 2020 Gallup survey revealed 3 in 10 adults in the U.S. currently own a gun and 44%% more report living in a gun household

Misguided or rash thinking can lead perpetrators to perceive violence as a solution or a way out.

Warning Signs
While it’s possible for someone to commit an act of workplace violence out of the blue, it’s more common for there to be indicators along the way.

The following behaviors and patterns may indicate an employee is becoming less stable:

• Substance/alcohol abuse
• Withdrawal, chronic depression, suicidal comments
• Mood swings, emotional responses
• Change in job performance, excessive absenteeism
• Displays of paranoia
• Threats made to other employees

What to Do
Your best defense against workplace violence is being proactive about it. It’s better to have all the right protocols in place than to not have anything situated and risk something coming up.

• Create a zero-tolerance anti-violence policy
• Provide employee awareness training
• Create an emergency action plan
• Practice safety drills

Should you need assistance with training or developing the proper policies, KPA can give you a hand with both.