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Each year, 2 million people fall victim to workplace violence. Extreme cases can include homicide, threats of terrorism, even disgruntled employees seeking revenge after being terminated. This could also include vandalism, burglary, theft, and psychological harm due to workplace assaults. In Part 1 of this series, we dove into defining workplace violence and identifying its various forms, providing small businesses with foundational knowledge to create a safer work environment. Now, in Part 2, we’ll explore the impact these incidents have on small businesses and tackle some common concerns SMB owners face.

Combating Workplace Violence

Violent incidents in the workplace can be detrimental for businesses across all industries. These incidents not only endanger employees but lead to devastating losses. Chapter two of Combating Workplace Violence: Creating and Maintaining Safe Work Environments discusses the impact of violent incidents on businesses of all sizes and sectors. This helps business owners and decision makers think about creating a workplace culture in which safety comes first, which is exactly what we’re helping you achieve.

The Costly Impact of Workplace Violence

Workplace violence can have far-reaching consequences for a company. Here are some ways your business may be impacted by an incident:

• Property damage due to burglary or vandalism.
• Disruption of business operations due to legal issues/financial loss/etc.
• Physical and emotional injury of you or employees, requiring treatment and days off.
• Decline in employee morale due to fear and insecurity.
• Employee turnover due to the lack of morale and support.

Companies may also incur costs related to funerals, grief counseling, trauma counseling, and workers’ compensation. 

Workers’ Compensation After a Workplace Violence Incident

Workers’ compensation can cover an employee’s medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages when an incident occurs. This provides essential support during recovery, but it can also come at a huge cost for the employer. The average cost-related claim in a workplace violence related incident is $21,263, which is a heavy financial burden for many businesses.*

Mass Shootings and Their Impact

Mass shootings are among the most extreme examples of workplace violence, often resulting in significant loss of life and extensive media coverage. Notable incidents include:

• Pulse Nightclub (2016): This incident resulted in 49 fatalities and over 50 injuries, and remains one of the deadliest workplace violence shootings in U.S. history. The linked resource hosts a chilling 911 call from an employer stating, “I have 5 employees that are in the dressing room hiding.”
• Route 91 Festival, Las Vegas (2017): This mass shooting at a large festival resulted in 58 deaths and over 700 injuries.
• Virginia Beach City Building (2019): An employee killed 12 other workers after having access to each floor of the building.

There’s a continued and growing need for comprehensive, well-crafted safety plans and proactive measures to prevent workplace violence across all industries and events. 

Industries Most Affected and U.S Statistics

Certain industries are disproportionately affected by workplace violence. For example, healthcare workers face significantly higher risks, with 50% of workplace violence cases involving medics.* 

In others, such as the airline industry, unruly passengers have increasingly incited many physical and verbal attacks against employees and other travelers over the past several years. There may be a need for targeted interventions and protective measures in these vulnerable sectors. 

The prevalence of firearm-related homicides in the U.S. is also notably higher than in other countries. With a rate of 4.12 firearm homicides per 100,000 people, the U.S. far exceeds the second-highest rate in Chile, which stands at 1.82. In Canada, it is just .5 people per 100,000.

Preventive Measures In Physical Security and Workplace Violence

Focus on preventive strategies such as thorough employee screenings, clear conduct policies, and regular training on conflict resolution to prevent violence from entering the workplace. Also, improving the physical security of your premises and promoting a culture of respect and inclusiveness can be very effective in maintaining morale. A Physical Security Risk Assessment is another great place to start in accounting for your entire premises and your people.

Does Your Organization Have a Safety Plan?

Having a workplace safety policy is essential, but it isn’t enough on its own. We must be sure that these plans are well-communicated, easily accessible, and regularly updated. Key considerations for an effective safety plan:

• All employees should be aware of the safety plan and understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Update the plan regularly to reflect new threats, changes in the physical environment, and evolving best practices.
• Include clear procedures for emergency evacuations and physical security measures.

Creating a Culture of Safety and Preparedness

Preventing workplace violence requires a proactive and comprehensive take, and this will look different for every small business. The extreme cases bring critical attention to the need for comprehensive workplace violence policies, but they also might overshadow the more common forms of workplace violence, such as verbal abuse, threats, or bullying. 

It’s important for employers to address all levels of aggression to maintain a safe and productive work environment. Employers should balance their focus not only on preventing extreme cases but also on creating an atmosphere where everyday disputes are managed constructively. The key to preventing workplace violence lies in preparation and vigilance.

Final Thoughts on Workplace Violence

If your organization doesn’t have a comprehensive security plan, now’s the time to act. Begin by assessing your current policies and procedures, and connect with our expert Physical Security Risk Managers at Safe Haven. We’ll develop and implement effective measures that make sense for your business.

Show concern for your organization and fulfill your Duty of Care today.
*Statistics and references sourced from the second chapter of Combating Workplace Violence.