Workplace violence can come from many sources, and recognizing the types, the warning signs, and how to respond protects everyone. Knowing what to do before, during, and after an incident reduces the risk of harm.
What Are the Four Types of Workplace Violence?
Violence is grouped by who commits it and their relationship to the workplace.
- Type 1, violent acts by criminals with no connection to the workplace who enter to commit robbery or another crime
- Type 2, violence against employees by customers, clients, or others the organization serves
- Type 3, violence against coworkers, supervisors, or managers by a present or former employee
- Type 4, violence by someone who does not work there but has a personal relationship with an employee, such as an abusive partner
What Are the Warning Signs of Coworker Violence?
Certain behaviors warrant concern and further attention.
- Emotional instability or irrational behavior
- Profound personality changes
- Feeling victimized by supervisors or the organization
- Making threats or alluding to acts of violence
- Extreme paranoia, depression, or stress
- Behavior inappropriate to the situation
- Slamming doors or banging and throwing equipment or tools
- Signs of drug or alcohol abuse
What Should You Do During an Incident?
Protect yourself first and avoid escalating the situation.
- Never put your personal safety at risk
- Maintain a reasonable distance from the aggressor
- Avoid sudden movements or threatening gestures such as pointing
- Avoid physical retaliation unless it is a last resort for self-defense
What Should You Do After an Incident?
Report it and document what happened.
- Alert supervisors to any safety or security concerns and report all incidents immediately in writing
- Stay calm, speak clearly and slowly, and give short answers
- Take notes on each episode, including date, time, place, behavior, and witnesses
- Strengthen prevention measures after determining how and why the violence occurred
How Do You Prevent Workplace Violence?
Prevention starts with attention and planning.
- Watch for warning signs and quiet calls for help, and take reasonable action
- Conduct background screenings for new employees
- Plan for workplace violence like any other threat
