April is Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month, and employers should use this as an opportunity to learn more about this critical safety issue and how to address it. We’ll cover the latest workplace violence data and developments – including key risk factors and compliance obligations – and equip you with 10 prevention strategies to help protect your employees (and your organization).
Workplace Violence Might Be More Common Than You Think
What’s considered workplace violence?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace violence as “any act of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening behavior that occurs at the work site.” Acts of workplace violence can be carried out by:
- criminals who have no legitimate business at the worksite;
- customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or visitors;
- current or former employees, supervisors, or managers; or
- individuals who have a personal relationship or history with an employee.
Who’s most at risk?
According to OSHA, workers who are at higher risk of becoming victims of workplace violence include:
- workers who exchange money with the public;
- delivery and taxi/ride share drivers;
- healthcare professionals;
- social assistants;
- public service workers;
- customer service agents;
- law enforcement personnel; and
- others who may work alone or in small groups.
What does the data say?
