Workplace Violence: A Real Hazard in Every Industry

When it comes to violence in the workplace, most people think about fistfights or verbal altercations that get out of hand. However, workplace violence is a broader issue that can affect people in more ways than just physical.

According to OSHA, about two million people report some type of workplace violence each year and it is estimated that 25 percent of workplace violence goes unreported. From verbal abuse to written threats to threatening behavior, workplace violence comes in many forms, causing many Americans to stress about coming into work.

Tangram Insurance Services is now helping employers stay protected against claims from employees who make workplace violence claims through Workplace violence insurance. And while this is a good step to protect the company, there also needs to be efforts made to keep employees safe from workplace violence and to create a culture of safety.

What is Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence, no matter the form it comes in, can affect and involve employees, clients, customers, and visitors, whether through physical assaults, disruptive behavior, or even escalated outcomes, such as homicide.

Acts of violence and other injuries make up the third-leading cause of fatal injuries in the workplace in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). On average, about 500 cases of workplace injury claims were because of intentional injury by another employee.

How to Prevent and Limit Workplace Violence

Companies should create a workplace violence prevention program that focuses on keeping everyone on-site, not just employees, safe. There should be a statement regarding potential violence and the assignment of oversight and prevention.

Next, business owners and company heads should pull together a crisis management team with responsibilities and procedures assigned to individuals. Individuals should be assigned to serve on a team and be instructed on how to respond to an emergency situation that comes from workplace violence and on how to assist individuals who have been injured or emotionally hurt from an altercation.

Having effective training for employees about the risk of workplace violence, showing them how to recognize the potential for a violent situation in their early stages, can help to reduce risks and limit possible scenarios. Violence training should include how to report and document any violent incidents.

Finally, it’s important to put an emphasis on promptly responding to all complaints. Employers should have the proper responsive process when it comes to handling complaints of violence or the possibility of a violent situation. Recordkeeping can also help accurately capture any violent incidents and should be reviewed at least on an annual basis for areas where improvements can be made.

About Tangram Insurance Services

Located across the Golden Gate Bridge, just outside of San Francisco, Tangram Insurance Services is a full-service Managing General Underwriter and Program Manager offering specialty programs. We focus on industry-relevant coverage, competitive pricing, and practical business and risk management solutions for your clients. Since we are not all things to all people, we make sure to create outstanding custom-built solutions that matter to those businesses, and the brokers who serve those industries. Contact us at (888) 744-9810.