Workplace Violence Prevention Policy
Author: Leanne Coffman
When to Use
Workplace violence is a leading cause of occupational fatalities and injuries in the United States and is a major concern for both employers and employees. Due to the prevalence and grave consequences of workplace violence, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that all employers take appropriate precautions to prevent or minimize the risk of assault.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, employers with one or more employees must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Employers that are not covered by the OSH Act are generally covered by another similar federal or state health and safety law. OSHA interprets this general responsibility as a reason to encourage employers to prevent harm to employees from workplace violence.
OSHA advises that one of the best protections an employer can offer employees is a written Workplace Violence Prevention Policy. Consequently, an employer should consider implementing this policy to convey to employees a zero tolerance for violent acts, define prohibited behavior, outline reporting criteria and responsibilities, identify risk factors for violence in the workplace and describe methods for reducing the likelihood of violent incidents.
