This website provides information on violence in the workplace, assessing the hazards in different settings and developing workplace violence prevention plans for individual worksites.

What is workplace violence?

Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors. Acts of violence is the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), of the 5,283 fatal workplace injuries that occurred in the United States in 2023, 740 fatalities were due to violent acts. Homicides (458) accounted for 61.9 percent of violent acts and 8.7 percent of all work-related fatalities. However it manifests itself, workplace violence, which may include gender-based violence, is a major concern for employers and employees nationwide.

Who is at risk of workplace violence?

Many workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year. Unfortunately, many more cases go unreported. Research has identified factors that may increase the risk of violence for some workers at certain worksites. Such factors include exchanging money with the public and working with volatile, unstable people. Working alone or in isolated areas may also contribute to the potential for violence. Providing services and care and working where alcohol is served may also impact the likelihood of violence. Additionally, time of day and location of work, such as working late at night or in areas with high crime rates, are also risk factors that should be considered when addressing issues of workplace violence. Among those with higher risk are workers who exchange money with the public, delivery and taxi/ride share drivers, healthcare professionals, social assistants, public service workers, customer service agents, law enforcement personnel, and others who may work alone or in small groups.

How can workplace violence hazards be reduced?

In most workplaces where risk factors can be identified, the risk of violence can be prevented or minimized with appropriate precautions. One of the best protections is for employers to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence. The policy should cover all workers, patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with employees.

By assessing their worksites, employers can identify methods for reducing the likelihood of incidents occurring. A well-written and implemented workplace violence prevention program, combined with engineering controls, administrative controls and training can reduce the potential for workplace violence.

It can be a separate workplace violence prevention program or incorporated into a safety and health program, employee handbook, or manual of standard operating procedures. It is critical to ensure that all workers know the policy; are trained on prevention methods, signs for potential violent behavior, and how to effectively react when an incident occurs; and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied promptly. In addition, OSHA encourages employers to develop additional methods as necessary to protect employees in high-risk industries.