Workplace Violence Prevention: Recognize the Warning Signs and Be Prepared

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Workplace violence can take many forms, including physical and verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, harassment and other threatening behavior. Recognizing concerning behaviors and knowing when to report them are important parts of workplace violence prevention.

While no single warning sign can predict whether someone will become violent, changes in behavior, escalating conduct, or a combination of concerning behaviors may indicate that attention or intervention is needed. Employees who know what to look for—and what to do when something doesn't seem right—can play an important role in helping create a safer workplace.

Recognize Potential Warning Signs

Employees and managers play an important role in recognizing behaviors that are unusual, escalating, or significantly different from an individual's typical behavior. Considering these signs in context is essential.

Potential warning signs may include:
 

• Direct or indirect threats of harm
• Intimidating, belligerent, harassing, bullying, or increasingly aggressive behavior
• Frequent or escalating conflicts with supervisors or coworkers
• Significant changes in mood, attitude, or behavior
• Statements indicating desperation related to personal, family, or financial problems
• References to weapons or an unusual focus on violence
• Substance use accompanied by concerning or unsafe behavior
• Sudden changes in attendance or work patterns
• Noticeable difficulty concentrating or significant changes in work performance
• Behavior that causes coworkers to feel threatened or concerned

These behaviors do not necessarily indicate that violence will occur and may reflect other challenges. The goal is not to diagnose, label, or investigate a coworker, but to recognize behavior that may warrant attention and report concerns to the appropriate people.

For additional guidance, see CISA's Workplace Violence Prevention Resources.

Know When and How to Report a Concern

Understanding an organization's reporting procedures is an important part of workplace violence prevention. When employees know how to report unusual, threatening or potentially dangerous behavior, they can raise concerns early, allowing the appropriate teams to assess the situation, take action, and potentially prevent an incident before it escalates.

Organizations should make it clear:
 

• What types of behaviors or threats should be reported
• Who employees should contact
• How concerns will be escalated and assessed
• What to do when there is an immediate threat or emergency

Managers and supervisors should also know when to involve security, human resources, legal, leadership, or law enforcement, as appropriate.

If an employee feels unsafe or observes threatening behavior, they should notify an on-site security professional. At Allied Universal, our security professionals are trained to assess situations and provide assistance.

 

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Strengthen Workplace Violence Prevention Before an Incident

Recognizing warning signs is one part of a broader prevention strategy. Organizations should establish plans, procedures, and training tailored to their workplace, workforce, and potential risks.

Preparedness may include:
 

• Developing and regularly reviewing a workplace violence prevention plan
• Training employees and managers on reporting procedures and their responsibilities
• Coordinating among security, human resources, legal and leadership
• Reviewing physical security and access control measures
• Establishing emergency communication and mass notification systems to help deliver timely alerts and instructions during an incident
• Conducting exercises to identify gaps and reinforce responsibilities
   

recommends a workplace-specific approach that combines prevention programs, appropriate controls and employee training to help reduce the potential for workplace violence.

If a Situation Begins to Escalate

When someone becomes hostile or threatening, personal safety should be a priority. Employees should follow their organization's established procedures and seek assistance as soon as possible.

Depending on the situation:
 

• Remain calm and avoid escalating the confrontation.
• Listen without arguing or responding aggressively when it is safe to do so.
• Maintain appropriate personal space and access to an exit.
• Signal or call for assistance from security, management, or emergency services when possible.
• If a weapon is present, do not attempt to take it away or physically intervene.
• Move to a secure location when it is safe to do so.
• Follow instructions from law enforcement or emergency responders.

Employees can help protect themselves and others by avoiding physical intervention or attempting to manage dangerous situations beyond their training

Build Awareness Before It's Needed

Awareness extends beyond employees' recognizing concerning behaviors. Video surveillance and monitoring systems can provide additional visibility into workplace activity, help identify potential security concerns, and support timely response.

Effective workplace violence prevention also requires a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting concerns. By combining employee awareness, appropriate security measures, and established response procedures, organizations can take proactive steps to help reduce the risk of workplace violence.
 

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