Introduction

When we hear the term “Workplace Violence,” we often think of physical altercations in the workplace, especially those we have witnessed personally that led to harm. However, workplace violence isn’t always about physical fights. It also includes verbal abuse, threats, and harassment. In the most serious cases, it leads to injuries or even death. But even “less severe” incidents can cause long-term emotional harm and disrupt the entire workplace.

These kinds of behaviors can happen in any workplace, at any time, and, unfortunately, they’re becoming more and more common. What used to be considered rare or extreme is now becoming far more common. News stories of angry customers, aggressive patients, or violent co-workers are popping up more frequently—and they aren’t limited to any one industry. Because of this rising threat, workplace violence prevention training has become a top priority for businesses of every size.

Employees want to feel safe on the job, and you have a responsibility to make that happen. As an employer, your number one responsibility is to provide a safe and healthy workplace. That means more than just physical safety from equipment hazards or chemical exposure—it also means protecting your team from violence and threats of harm. This blog will explain why workplace violence prevention training is more important than ever, and what you can do to protect your people and your business.

The Alarming Rise in Workplace Incidents

Across the country, incidents of workplace violence are increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Over the 2021-2022 period, there were 57,610 nonfatal cases of workplace violence requiring days away from work, job restriction, or transfer (DART), which occurred at an annualized incidence rate of 2.9 cases per 10,000 full-time equivalent employees. These numbers don’t even account for the countless incidents of verbal abuse, threats, bullying, and intimidation that go unreported. Additionally, there were 524 fatal injuries due to homicides (intentional injury by other person) in the workplace in 2022.

Some industries are hit harder than others. Healthcare workers, especially nurses and emergency room staff, face the highest risk. According to OSHA, healthcare workers are four times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other industries. Retail workers also face threats from customers frustrated with prices, policies, or delays. Teachers and school staff are dealing with increased aggression from students and, in some cases, parents. These are not isolated incidents—they’re warnings that violence can happen anywhere, at any time, and that it is up to every employee and employer to ensure preparedness before an incident occurs.

Impact on Employees and Organizational Culture

When an incident of workplace violence happens, the damage doesn’t end when the situation is over. After an incident, workers often have to take time off of work, either due to physical injuries or emotional distress. This absence can oftentimes be easily felt by other workers, leading to a

sense of unease in the workplace. Victims often carry the emotional and psychological impact with them for weeks, months, or years, long after physical injuries have healed. Employees who witness violence may also suffer from anxiety, stress, and fear that it could happen again.

When workers don’t feel safe, morale drops. Distrust and fear can spread, affecting communication and collaboration. People may begin calling in sick more often, become disengaged, or even quit. High turnover becomes more likely in environments where violence goes unaddressed. This leads to hiring and training costs, lower productivity, and damage to your company’s reputation.

A toxic or unsafe workplace culture can develop when leadership fails to take violence seriously. On the other hand, a proactive approach—where safety, respect, and accountability are emphasized—builds a stronger, more loyal workforce.

Creating a culture of safety doesn’t happen by chance. It requires intentional steps, clear expectations, and consistent training. When employees are confident their employer will protect them and respond appropriately, they are more likely to feel supported and stay committed to their roles.

Legal and Regulatory Pressures

In addition to the moral and business reasons to address workplace violence, there are also serious legal obligations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) General Duty Clause requires all employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. That includes the hazard of workplace violence.

OSHA has cited employers for failing to prevent violence, especially in high-risk industries like healthcare and social services. In some cases, the penalties for ignoring the warning signs have reached into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. State laws are also evolving. California passed Senate Bill 553 (SB 553), also known as the Workplace Violence Prevention Act, requiring virtually all California employers to implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP) and provide annual training to all employees. Other states—including Washington, New York, and Oregon—have proposed or passed similar regulations, especially for healthcare and education settings.

Failing to follow these laws opens you up to government fines, and also increases your risk of lawsuits from injured employees, union action, and public backlash. As an employer, it is important that you know what requirements you’re expected to follow based on your workplace’s location and have training in place to ensure standards are met.

The Role of Training in Prevention

We’ve now talked a lot on how workplace violence is a major issue faced by employees today. Now let’s discuss what to do about it.

Workplace violence prevention training is one of the most effective tools for reducing incidents and protecting your employees. Training gives workers the knowledge and skills to identify threats early, respond appropriately, and know when and how to report problems. Training also provides practical tools like de-escalation techniques and effective communication strategies. Teaching employees how to defuse a tense situation before it escalates into violence can help prevent injuries and fatalities in the workplace.

When employees are trained and confident, they are more likely to speak up when something seems wrong. This helps you stop problems before they grow into full-blown incidents.

What Effective Training Should Include

Not all training programs are created equal. To truly make a difference, your workplace violence prevention training should be well-structured and tailored to the specific needs of your business. At a minimum, training should cover the following:

● Awareness: What workplace violence is, including less obvious forms like bullying or intimidation.

● Warning signs: How to recognize behavior that could become dangerous.

● Reporting procedures: Clear, confidential ways for employees to report threats or incidents.

● Response protocols: What to do during an active threat or emergency.

● Post-incident support: How leadership will support affected employees and investigate issues.

You should also customize your training for different job roles. For example, a cashier may need training focused on dealing with customers, while a hospital employee may face different risks involving patients. Managers should receive additional training on how to handle reports of violence, support team members, and document incidents properly.

Another key element is regular refresher training. A single session at hiring isn’t enough. Situations evolve, teams change, and knowledge fades. Reinforce your safety protocols at least once a year, and consider more frequent check-ins for high-risk roles.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Invest in Workplace Violence Prevention Training Today

Workplace violence prevention training can’t wait. Whether you run a hospital, a school, a store, or an office, your employees need to know how to handle threats, respond to emergencies, and support one another, and every day you delay is a missed chance to protect your team. You have the power—and the responsibility—to lead by example.

Take action now. Build a culture where safety comes first. Train your people, prepare your policies, and create a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and secure. Be proactive, not reactive. Show your team that their safety matters every day—not just after something goes wrong. Your employees are counting on you.

How Safety Instruct Can Help

Safety Instruct’s online safety training courses help to educate employees on workplace safety and health regulations, policies, and best practices. These courses cover a wide range of topics—including Workplace Violence—all designed to fit the needs of various industries. To find the courses you need for your business today, click the link below! https://www.safetyinstruct.com/