Defining Workplace Violence
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace violence as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the worksite.” This broad definition encompasses everything from verbal threats to physical assaults. Understanding the types of workplace violence is the first step in effectively addressing and preventing them.
The Four Recognized Types of Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is typically categorized into four types, each defined by the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim.
Type 1: Criminal Intent
This type involves individuals with no legitimate relationship to the workplace or its employees. These incidents often occur during robberies or other crimes, with convenience stores, gas stations, and financial institutions frequently targeted. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 85% of workplace homicides fall into this category. Preventing this type of violence often requires enhanced security measures, such as surveillance systems and controlled access points.
Type 2: Customer or Client Violence
Type 2 violence arises from interactions between employees and customers, clients, patients, or other service recipients. This category is especially common in healthcare, retail, and hospitality industries. For example, healthcare workers frequently face aggression from patients or their families. Addressing this type of violence involves clear communication, de-escalation training, and policies that empower employees to respond effectively to threats.
Type 3: Worker-on-Worker Violence
Also known as lateral or horizontal violence, this type occurs between coworkers and can include physical assaults, threats, or bullying. Worker-on-worker violence often stems from unresolved conflicts, workplace stress, or poor organizational culture. Employers can address this by fostering a supportive environment, offering conflict resolution training, and creating clear reporting mechanisms for grievances.
Type 4: Personal Relationship Violence
This type occurs when an individual with a personal relationship to an employee, such as a partner or family member, commits violence at the workplace. Domestic violence incidents that spill over into the workplace fall into this category. Employers play a key role in mitigating this type of violence by providing resources for affected employees, such as access to counseling, flexible scheduling, and secure workplace policies.
Recent Trends in Workplace Violence Prevention
As workplace violence continues to evolve, so do prevention efforts. Over the past few years, new trends have emerged in response to changing workplace dynamics and societal factors:
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- Increased Focus on Mental Health: Employers are recognizing the role mental health plays in workplace safety. Programs that support employee well-being, such as stress management resources, are becoming a standard part of violence prevention strategies.
- Use of Technology: Advanced features, such as real-time incident reporting systems and AI-powered behavior monitoring, are helping organizations identify risks earlier. These technologies provide actionable insights that improve response times and reduce the likelihood of escalation.
- Comprehensive Training: Training programs now emphasize a holistic approach, including de-escalation techniques, diversity and inclusion education, and active shooter response planning.
What to Expect in 2025
By 2025, workplace violence prevention is expected to become more standardized across industries. Legislative efforts are pushing for broader protections and greater accountability for employers. For example:
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- Mandatory Risk Assessments: States like California already require certain employers to conduct workplace violence risk assessments (California Senate Bill 553). This requirement may expand nationally, with industries beyond healthcare adopting similar mandates.
- National Reporting Standards: The federal government is exploring the implementation of standardized incident reporting requirements to improve data collection and analysis.
- Cross-Industry Collaboration: Businesses are increasingly collaborating with industry groups and law enforcement to share best practices and develop coordinated prevention strategies.
How ThinkLP Supports Workplace Violence Prevention
As workplace violence laws evolve, employers need efficient software to track incidents, monitor risks, and ensure compliance with new regulations. ThinkLP provides a comprehensive platform that empowers businesses to manage safety data effectively.
ThinkLP’s solutions help organizations centralize reporting, streamline incident investigations, and analyze trends to identify areas of improvement.
Building a Safer Workplace
Understanding the types of workplace violence and implementing proactive measures are essential for creating a safer work environment. Employers must remain vigilant, adapting their policies and practices to meet the challenges of 2025. By investing in training, leveraging technology, and staying informed about regulatory changes, businesses can reduce risks and foster a culture of safety and respect.
Explore ThinkLP’s Blog
Now that you know more about the different types of workplace violence, you can find additional insights on loss prevention and safety intelligence on ThinkLP’s blog. The blog features articles, case studies, and industry insights that provide practical tips and strategies for improving your loss prevention efforts.
Request a Demo
If you are interested in how ThinkLP’s software can support your loss prevention initiatives, we invite you to request a demo. Their Loss & Safety Intelligence Platform is designed to integrate with your existing operations, helping you reduce risks and improve efficiency. Reach out today to learn how ThinkLP can assist your organization in optimizing its loss prevention strategy.
