Safeguard the Workplace: Strategies to Prevent Violence and Ensure Safety

Each year, around two million people in the U.S. experience non-fatal workplace violence, according to the Department of Justice. Additionally, workplace violence is a leading cause of fatal injuries at work, with approximately one thousand homicides annually. Such violence can arise from various circumstances including robberies, frustrated clients and co-workers, and domestic issues that extend into the workplace.

Assessing and Mitigating Workplace Violence Risks

Any type of organization can be affected by workplace violence. Proactive preparation is essential in minimizing the impact.

1. Workplace Violence Assessments: Conducting workplace violence assessments is essential for identifying the risks your organization faces. These assessments, which include hazard vulnerability, security and behavioral evaluations, help pinpoint potential risks and exposures. By understanding these risks, you can implement effective prevention measures and develop targeted training initiatives for employees.
2. Policies and Protocols: Based on the risk assessment, establish a comprehensive prevention policy that includes safety emergency response procedures, reporting and investigating procedures, a commitment to maintaining a violence-free workplace and a behavioral threat assessment policy.
3. Staff Training: Inform staff about violence prevention through safety training sessions and tabletop exercises. Training should cover active assailant response, de-escalation techniques and an options-based approach to handling violent situations.
4. Re-Assessment and Re-Evaluation: Regularly reassess and update your emergency management plans to ensure preparedness for unexpected situations. Perform a workplace violence assessment at least once a year and review the findings. If any violent incidents occur, identify lessons learned and determine if policy changes or additional training are needed.

Bridging the Insurance Gap

In the event of a workplace violence incident, big or small, organizations face numerous challenges, from handling immediate crisis management needs to mitigating long-term reputational damage. Traditional insurance often falls short, leaving gaps in coverage. Targeted workplace violence and active assailant coverage can fill these gaps by offering:

• Reputational Harm Mitigation: Funds crisis management and public relations to protect your reputation.
• Loss of Income Coverage: Compensates for business interruption costs from lost revenue or reduced operations.
• Support Services: Covers victim costs such as medical care or post-event counseling.

Not all policies are equal. Choosing the right policy ensures robust support, helping minimize the likelihood and impact of future incidents.

Reach Out to an Advisor

Contact a risk advisor to schedule an assessment, evaluate your coverage and learn more about our risk management and insurance solutions for workplace violence. We are committed to helping organizations navigate these challenges, addressing your specific risks and operational needs to create a safer workplace.