As COVID-19 regulations shift and employees start to reenter the workplace again in-person, EHS leaders need to be prepared to deal with the challenges that will come with returning to work. Workplace violence continues to be a cause for concern, and now that people are going to be working side by side again, it is crucial that EHS professionals know how to handle situations that may potentially arise.
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, ranging from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide. Anyone can be a victim of workplace violence, including employees, clients, customers, and visitors. According to OSHA, workplace violence is the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States, with around 2 million victims, and many cases go unreported.
Here are OSHA’s recommendations for some preventive measures that employers can take to help their workers avoid incidents of workplace violence.
Check out our Back to Basics: Workplace Violence Prevention article for more information.
