OSHA is placing greater emphasis on employers’ efforts to prevent workplace violence. OSHA defines workplace violence as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site.” It can range from threats and verbal abuse to serious incidents like physical assault and homicide. In addition to increased oversight from OSHA and state regulators, incidents of workplace violence could also subject an employer to legal liability from employees.
Sales, transportation, management, construction and production are the five occupational groups with the highest rates of workplace homicide.”
Source: Industry Week, November 27, 2023. Link. Employers should have a zero-tolerance policy for violence in the workplace that is outlined in the company’s employee handbook or similar document, delineating the steps the employer is taking to reduce the threat of violence.