Workplace Violence Prevention: A Proactive Approach to Safety & Risk Management

By David Hosier, CBCP | Senior Risk Management Consultant for Unison Risk Solutions

Workplace violence is a growing enterprise risk that affects employee safety, financial stability and organizational resilience. Incidents range from verbal threats and intimidation to physical assault, each carrying significant human and operational consequences.

Understanding the Risk Landscape

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the continued urgency of workplace violence prevention. In 2023,740 workplace fatalities were attributed to violent acts, representing nearly 14% of all occupational deaths. From 2021 to 2022, 57,610 nonfatal incidents required time away from work or job modification, with a median of seven days missed.

By proactively assessing risk, strengthening reporting and training, and embedding prevention efforts across departments, organizations can better protect employees, reduce liability and maintain operational stability.

Rising Regulatory Expectations

Even without a comprehensive federal standard, employers remain responsible for providing a workplace free from recognized hazards under OSHA’s General Duty Clause. Enforcement activity has increased, and several states now require written prevention plans, employee training, incident reporting and ongoing documentation.

Gaps in preparation or response can lead to elevated workers’ compensation costs, employment practices claims, regulatory penalties, operational disruption and reputational damage. Strengthening violence prevention programs not only supports safety but reduces long‑term risk exposure.

Building an Effective Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Successful organizations integrate workplace violence prevention into their broader safety, HR and continuity frameworks. Core program elements include:

1. Leadership Commitment & Governance: Visible executive support establishes organizational expectations and helps ensure cross‑functional alignment across HR, risk management, operations, legal and security.
2. Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Regular, site‑specific assessments help identify vulnerabilities related to job tasks, physical layout, customer interaction, shift schedules and historical incident data.
3. Clear Policies & Reporting Pathways: A well‑structured policy defines unacceptable behaviors, outlines reporting expectations, prohibits retaliation and clarifies response procedures. Confidential reporting options encourage early intervention.
4. Training & Skill Development: Training should go beyond policy review to include situational awareness, de‑escalation, behavioral warning signs and emergency response. Scenario‑based education is especially valuable in high‑risk settings.
5. Prevention & Control Measures: Environmental and administrative controls, such as access management, lighting, barriers, staffing protocols, cash-handling processes and duress alarms, should be aligned with identified risks and regularly evaluated.
6. Incident Response, Recovery & Continuous Improvement: A coordinated response should address immediate care, support resources, investigation, communication and corrective actions. Tracking both incidents and near‑misses helps organizations identify trends and refine their approach over time.

Empowering Organizations to Create Safer Workplaces

Our Risk Consulting team provides practical, industry‑informed support to help organizations build and enhance workplace violence prevention programs. Solutions include:

• Workplace Violence Assessments
• Active Assailant Interactive Workshops
• Tabletop Exercises
• Policy Development & Review
• Evacuation & Shelter‑in‑Place Drills

A safer workplace begins with preparation. Our advisors can help evaluate your current program or support you in building a comprehensive, resilient approach. Contact us today to learn more.