Workplace Violence Prevention: What Every Employer Must Know
- CrisisWire
- Sep 20
- 2 min read
The Growing Threat of Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is no longer a rare event — it’s a growing risk that affects businesses of every size and sector. From verbal threats and harassment to physical assaults and active shooter incidents, the impact of workplace violence is devastating.
For organizations, the consequences include legal liability, employee trauma, lost productivity, and reputational damage. For employees, it can mean a loss of safety and trust in their workplace.
The good news: most incidents are preventable when employers take a proactive approach to workplace violence prevention.
What Counts as Workplace Violence?
Workplace violence can take many forms:
Verbal harassment or threats
Physical altercations between employees
Domestic violence spillover into the workplace
Bullying and intimidation
Active shooter or mass violence events
Recognizing that violence is not always dramatic — and often starts small — is the first step in preventing escalation.
Why Prevention is Critical
According to OSHA, nearly 2 million workers report being victims of workplace violence each year. Many more incidents go unreported.
Beyond the human toll, employers face:
Legal consequences for failing to provide a safe work environment.
Financial costs from lawsuits, fines, and lost productivity.
Reputation loss if an incident makes headlines.
The key takeaway: Prevention is cheaper, safer, and more effective than reaction.
Building a Workplace Violence Prevention Program
At CrisisWire Threat Management Solutions, we help organizations design programs that meet OSHA, FEMA, and DHS standards.
Effective prevention includes:
Behavioral Threat Assessments – Spotting red flags before they escalate.
Policies and Procedures – Clear reporting mechanisms and response protocols.
Training and Awareness – Teaching staff how to recognize and report threats.
Threat Assessment Teams (TATs) – Multidisciplinary groups to evaluate and manage risks.
Crisis Communication Plans – Ensuring fast, accurate messaging during an incident.
Case for Action: Protecting People and Operations
Workplace violence is not just a safety issue — it’s an organizational resilience issue. Employers that implement prevention programs reduce liability, protect staff, and build trust.
At CrisisWire, we provide tailored workplace violence prevention services for corporations, universities, and government agencies, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.
Final Word
Violence in the workplace doesn’t happen overnight. It builds through warning signs that can — and should — be addressed early. By investing in prevention, employers protect their most valuable assets: their people.
Protect your employees and your organization. Contact CrisisWire Threat Management Solutions today to build a workplace violence prevention program.
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