Every year, thousands of American workers report having been victims of workplace violence. In 2021-22, assaults resulted in 57,610 injuries. In 2022, 525 fatalities due to assault were reported, according to Injury Facts.

Workplace violence is the act or threat of violence. It ranges from verbal abuse to physical assaults directed toward people at work or on duty. Violence can occur in any workplace and among any type of worker.

The impact of workplace violence can range from psychological issues to physical injury, or even death. The risk for fatal violence is greater for workers in sales, protective services, and transportation. The risk for nonfatal violence resulting in days away from work is greatest for healthcare and social assistance workers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20,050 workers in the private industry experienced trauma from nonfatal workplace violence in 2020. These incidents required days away from work. Of those victims who experienced trauma from workplace violence:

• 73% were female
• 62% were aged 25-54
• 76% worked in the healthcare and social assistance industry
• 22% required 31 or more days away from work to recover
• 22% involved 3-5 days away from work

Over the past few years, workplace violence has been on the rise, particularly in specific industries such as healthcare and social assistance. Healthcare workers are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing workplace violence, with incidents occurring at a rate four times higher than in the private sector (OSHA, 2015). The shift toward remote work, economic instability, and political polarization have contributed to increased tensions and conflicts within organizations (Lipscomb & London, 2015). For instance, data from the FBI shows that workplace active shooter incidents have increased by more than 150% between 2006 and 2018 (FBI, 2019).

• The workplace violence in a federal, state and local level
• The way OSHA is involved in mandating protections for employees
• Policy and training will provide employers with valid steps in mitigating workplace violence
• How states have already developed, mandated workplace violence efforts
• The role of the Employer in protecting employees and providing safety in the workplace
• The elements of a safe workplace against violence initiated by Employers
• Employers should identify employees with volatile tendencies and aggressive behaviour’s.
• How an effective Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help employees manage mental health issues as a result of violence in the workplace
• Penalties and fines placed on the Employer and/or the employee who is part of workplace violence incident
• How Managers who don’t follow safety guidelines can be at risk of criminal sanctions due to Vicarious Liability

Managers and safety professionals at every workplace should develop a policy on violence that includes:

• Employee training and creating an emergency action plan
• Conducting mock training exercises with local law enforcement
• Adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence

• All Employers
• Business Owners
• Company Leadership
• Compliance professionals
• Payroll Administrators
• HR Professionals
• Compliance Professionals
• Managers/Supervisors
• Employers in all industries
• Small Business Owners