Preventing violence in the workplace - Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, Inc.

A new blueprint to enhance workplace safety

California’s SB 553 sets a new standard for workplace violence prevention, requiring businesses to establish comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plans, involving employees in planning and providing annual training.
However, workplace violence is a critical issue nationwide, with nearly two million American workers reporting incidents each year. Adopting measures similar to SB 553 can help other states enhance workplace safety.
Insurance professionals play a crucial role in guiding businesses through these new regulations, helping them develop an effective WVPP and ensure compliance, ultimately creating safer work environments.

The rising threat of workplace violence

In recent years, workplace violence has emerged as a growing concern for businesses. Although often overshadowed by other industrial hazards, there is no denying that it poses a significant threat to employee safety. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, workplace violence is the second leading cause of fatal workplace injuries in the United States. This underscores the importance of taking the issue seriously. Businesses need to act urgently to implement a robust Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.

Following the tragic mass shooting at the Santa Ana Transportation Authority in 2021, which claimed the lives of nine individuals, the state of California quickly realized the need for structured workplace violence prevention strategies and successfully passed Senate Bill 553. As of July 1, 2024, the new legislation mandates that employers establish and maintain a WVPP. So, in light of California’s newly enacted SB 553 law, let’s dive further into what workplace violence may look like, learn how to recognize the early signs, explore the California legislation further and discover how it could serve as a blueprint for other states.

Workplace violence: the cold, hard facts

According to OSHA, workplace violence includes “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site”. These types of incidents happen more often than you might think. In 2022 alone, there were 849 instances of fatal workplace violence, with homicides accounting for 61.7% of these deaths. Clearly, we can’t ignore this issue. But to create efficient prevention strategies, we must first recognize and understand the scope and nature of workplace violence.

It can manifest in various forms. Consider the following scenarios:

Two coworkers continually ridicule a third coworker. Fed up, she slashes their tires in the employee parking lot.
A belligerent customer, angry over losing money, returns to the establishment, yelling and pushing over chairs.
The ex-spouse of an employee shows up repeatedly, attempting to cause trouble.

These scenarios illustrate the diverse nature of workplace violence, highlighting the need for prevention strategies that address both internal and external threats. By recognizing that violence can manifest in various ways, employers can develop more effective policies and training programs to ensure a safer work environment for all.

Risk factors for workplace violence

Although no work environment is completely immune to danger, several factors increase the risk of workplace violence. Employees who frequently interact with the public, such as those in retail or service industries, face higher risks. Similarly, jobs involving cash transactions can attract robbery attempts.

Workers in mobile environments, like taxi drivers or delivery personnel, encounter unique dangers, while certain sectors, including healthcare, social services and law enforcement, see higher incidences of violence due to the nature of their work. Isolated work environments, high-crime areas and community-based settings also present increased risks. And finally, employees guarding valuable items or property may become targets.

How to create a culture of safety

To prevent violence in the workplace, it’s crucial to create a culture of safety. Employees should feel comfortable reporting incidents without fearing retaliation.

Training should cover not only physical safety but also important skills like conflict resolution and spotting early warning signs. Let’s dive into these warning signs and see how managers can handle them.

Related: 8 tips for a workplace violence training program [Infographic]

Recognize the warning signs

Spotting potential violence early is key. Here are the warning stages and how to respond:

Stage 1: Early warning signs

Intimidation or bullying
Uncooperative attitude
Verbal abuse and/or excessive cursing
Discourteous or disrespectful behavior towards coworkers or customers

Response: Keep an eye on any concerning behavior and make sure to document it. Share your observations with your supervisor, and make sure the issue is directly addressed with the employee as soon as possible.

Stage 2: Escalation

Arguing with coworkers or customers
Refusal to follow policies
Sabotaging equipment
Verbal threats

Response: Bring supervisors and, if needed, law enforcement. Make sure to document each incident and take disciplinary action if necessary.

Stage 3: Critical concerns

Suicidal threats
Physical fights
Property destruction
Use of weapons

Response: Dial 911 immediately and ensure everyone’s safety. Work closely with law enforcement, providing them with detailed information, and make sure that affected employees receive the support they need.

Implement effective workplace violence prevention

To protect employees effectively, managers should focus on several key strategies:

Zero tolerance policy:

Set up and strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy for any form of workplace violence, including verbal abuse, harassment and physical threats. Make sure all employees are aware of this policy and understand that all reports of violence will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Workplace violence prevention program and comprehensive training:

Integrate WVPP into existing safety programs, employee handbooks and standard operating procedures. Provide regular training sessions that educate employees on recognizing warning signs of violence, appropriate responses and preventative measures. Training should also cover conflict resolution and stress management techniques.

Enhanced safety measures:

Physical security: Install video surveillance, enhance lighting and use alarm systems to enhance workplace security.
Controlled access: Implement identification badges, electronic keys and security personnel to limit unauthorized access.
Safe cash handling: Use drop safes and minimize cash on hand to reduce the risk of robbery.

Field staff safety:

Equip field staff with cell phones and alarms and require them to check in regularly to keep track of their whereabouts. Encourage employees to avoid unsafe locations alone and use a buddy system in potentially dangerous situations, such as when working during late hours.

Employee screening:

Conduct thorough background checks during the hiring process and maintain a drug-free workplace policy. Educate employees on recognizing warning signs of violence and implement regular training sessions to keep them informed and prepared.

Related: How to minimize your employer risk for drugs in the workplace

Emergency preparedness:

Develop and regularly update emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and active shooter protocols. Ensure employees are familiar with these procedures through regular drills.

Steps to take after an incident

Even with the best prevention efforts, workplace violence can still happen. Here’s what to do if an incident occurs:

First, ensure immediate medical care for anyone affected. Offer counseling and stress debriefing services. Make sure all incidents are reported and logged and involve police when necessary. Inform victims of their right to press charges.

Make sure to thoroughly investigate each incident and take steps to prevent future occurrences. Finally, discuss these incidents and strategies in regular team meetings.

What you need to know about Cal/OSHA’s new SB 553 rules

Last month, California rolled out new workplace safety rules. Under SB 553, employers will need to spot and assess violence risks at work. They’ll also have to involve employees in creating violence prevention plans and provide yearly training. More specifically, the plans should be written and cover several key areas, including the assignment of individual responsibilities and an outline of how to handle violence reports.

The plan should also detail emergency responses, training programs and methods for identifying and fixing safety issues. Lastly, it should explain how to investigate incidents after they occur.

Additionally, employers are required to maintain records of these activities for a minimum of five years and ensure that all employees are aware of the plan and how to report incidents without fear of retaliation. This proactive approach aims to create a safer work environment and reduce the incidence of workplace violence.

Making workplaces safer everywhere

While SB 553 applies specifically to California, the principles it embodies are universally applicable. Workplace violence is not confined to any one state or industry so by adopting similar measures, other states can enhance their workplace safety protocols, reduce the incidence of violence and create safer environments for all employees. A win by every measure.

The broader implications of workplace safety

Each year, nearly two million American workers say they’ve experienced workplace violence — and that’s just the reported cases. The message is clear: we need to act now to make our workplaces safer. With the new Cal/OSHA SB 553 guidelines, California has set a precedent for fostering a culture of safety that other states may soon follow. Agents and producers are in a unique position to support clients in implementing these crucial safety measures, ultimately protecting employees and creating safer work environments. By staying informed and involved, you can help mitigate the risks of workplace violence and ensure your clients are prepared to respond effectively to any incidents that may arise.

This article was originally published on Arrowhead Tribal blog. It has been updated and modified to better fit the needs of Arrowhead’s commercial producers and their clients.

Agents, take a look at our Workers’ Compensation Program to add to your portfolio of insurance solutions.

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