An Employer’s Role in Preventing Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is a serious concern for businesses of all sizes, and employers play a critical role in prevention. Creating a safe work environment requires more than just having policies in place. It also calls for proactive leadership, clear communication, and a culture of safety.

California has taken steps to strengthen workplace violence prevention efforts with SB 553, which required employers to implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) by July 1, 2024. However, legal compliance is just the starting point—effective prevention goes beyond the requirements.

Creating a Culture of Safety

Preventing workplace violence starts with fostering a culture where employees feel safe, supported, and empowered to report concerns. Employees need to recognize early warning signs of potential violence, understand de-escalation strategies, and know how to report threats before they escalate. You can conduct regular training sessions on workplace violence prevention, tailored to their specific industry risks.

Proactive Measures Employers Can Take

First, implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP), which is now required under California law. This written plan should outline how workplace violence risks are identified and assessed, establish procedures for reporting threats and responding to incidents, provide training programs to educate employees on violence prevention, and detail incident investigation and follow-up procedures to ensure continuous improvement.

A key component of prevention is establishing clear reporting and response protocols. Employees should know exactly who to contact and how to report threats or concerns. You can designate a trusted HR contact or security liaison and ensure that all reports are handled discreetly and effectively to encourage a culture of openness and safety.

Depending on the workplace, strengthening security measures may also be necessary. You can evaluate whether additional access controls, security cameras, or panic buttons are needed to enhance workplace safety. Training managers and supervisors in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques can also help prevent situations from escalating into violence.

Another critical step is addressing warning signs early. Workplace violence is often preventable when red flags such as escalating conflicts, verbal threats, or changes in employee behavior are identified and managed proactively. You can ensure that supervisors are trained to recognize these signs and intervene appropriately before the situation worsens.

Finally, emergency preparedness is essential. Start by developing clear evacuation plans, lockdown procedures, and emergency communication strategies to handle violent situations effectively. Regular drills and training sessions help ensure that employees understand what to do in high-risk scenarios, reducing panic and confusion in real emergencies.

Beyond legal compliance, employers have a responsibility to actively prevent workplace violence and ensure their teams feel safe. By taking proactive measures, enforcing clear policies, and fostering a culture of awareness, you can significantly reduce risks and create a more secure work environment for everyone.

Workplace violence prevention is not just about responding to incidents. It is also about taking steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Reach out to our consulting team for additional guidance on this important topic.