Understanding Workplace Violence
Workplace violence encompasses a wide range of behaviors, from verbal threats and intimidation to physical assaults. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence includes "any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site."
Under California SB 553, employers are required to develop comprehensive violence prevention plans. A critical component of these plans is the ability to identify potential threats before they escalate into violent incidents.
Types of Workplace Violence
OSHA and security experts typically categorize workplace violence into four types:
- Criminal Intent: The perpetrator has no legitimate relationship to the business or its employees.
- Customer/Client: The perpetrator has a legitimate relationship with the business and becomes violent while being served.
- Worker-on-Worker: The perpetrator is an employee or former employee who attacks another employee.
- Personal Relationship: The perpetrator has a personal relationship with an employee but not the business.
Warning Signs of Potential Violence
Workplace violence rarely occurs without warning. Research shows that perpetrators often exhibit recognizable behaviors before engaging in violent acts. Training employees and managers to identify these warning signs is essential for prevention.
Behavioral Red Flags
- Increased agitation or irritability - Noticeable change in temperament or increased emotional reactivity
- Intimidating behavior - Bullying, threatening gestures, or verbal aggression
- Verbal outbursts - Excessive swearing, shouting, or inappropriate comments
- Fixation with violence - Discussing or glorifying violent incidents
- Social isolation - Withdrawal from colleagues or avoiding social interaction
Work Performance Indicators
- Attendance problems - Unexplained absences or consistently arriving late/leaving early
- Decreased productivity - Significant change in work quality or quantity
- Disregard for policies - Deliberately ignoring rules and procedures
- Safety violations - Taking unnecessary risks or endangering others
- Resistance to change - Extreme negative reaction to policy updates or workplace changes
Situational Factors
- Significant personal stressors - Financial problems, relationship issues, or legal troubles
- History of violence - Past aggressive behavior or violence
- Substance abuse - Evidence of alcohol or drug problems
- Recent termination - Especially if the individual felt the termination was unfair
- Ongoing conflicts - Persistent disputes with coworkers or management
Risk Assessment Strategies
Effective workplace violence prevention requires a structured approach to risk assessment. Organizations should implement the following strategies:
Formal Risk Assessment
Conduct regular, documented assessments of workplace conditions, security measures, and environmental factors that could contribute to violence.
- Analyze workplace layout
- Evaluate security systems
- Review incident history
- Identify vulnerable areas
Threat Assessment Team
Establish a multidisciplinary team responsible for evaluating potential threats and implementing appropriate responses.
- HR representation
- Security personnel
- Legal advisors
- Management representation
Reporting System
Implement a clear, confidential system for reporting concerning behavior or potential threats.
- Anonymous reporting options
- Multiple reporting channels
- Clear escalation procedures
- Anti-retaliation protections
Documentation Protocols
Maintain thorough records of all concerning incidents, assessments, and response actions.
- Incident logs
- Investigation reports
- Corrective actions
- Follow-up activities
Response to Warning Signs
When warning signs are identified, a prompt and appropriate response is essential. Organizations should follow these steps:
- Document observations - Record specific behaviors, statements, or incidents that raised concerns.
- Report to appropriate channels - Follow established reporting procedures to notify supervisors, HR, or the threat assessment team.
- Assess the situation - Evaluate the severity of the threat and determine appropriate next steps.
- Implement protective measures - Take actions to ensure the safety of potential targets and the workplace.
- Provide support resources - Connect individuals exhibiting concerning behavior with appropriate assistance.
- Follow up and monitor - Continue to observe and document behaviors after intervention.
When to Involve Law Enforcement
Contact law enforcement immediately if there is:
- An immediate threat to safety
- Presence of weapons
- Physical violence or assault
- Direct threats of harm
- Stalking behavior
- Destruction of property
Prevention Strategies
Beyond identifying warning signs, organizations should implement comprehensive prevention strategies:
Training Programs
Provide regular training on violence recognition, de-escalation techniques, and reporting procedures.
Security Measures
Implement physical security controls like access management, surveillance, and emergency communication systems.
Policy Development
Establish clear policies on workplace conduct, threat reporting, and consequences for violations.
Wellness Programs
Offer resources for stress management, mental health support, and conflict resolution.
Communication Strategy
Foster open communication and provide regular updates on safety initiatives and incident response.
Regular Assessment
Conduct ongoing evaluation of prevention strategies and update approaches based on findings.
Need Help Implementing These Strategies?
Our comprehensive SB 553 compliance package includes all the tools you need to identify and prevent workplace violence.
Get Instant Access