Workplace violence prevention training benefits every employee, supervisor, and manager, because violence can come from customers, coworkers, strangers, or personal relationships. It is especially important in healthcare, social services, retail, and jobs that involve handling cash, working alone, or working late. The 9-minute video is available in English, Spanish and French.

OSHA has no specific federal workplace violence standard, but the General Duty Clause requires workplaces free of recognized serious hazards, including violence. Some states go further. California Labor Code section 6401.9 requires most California employers to maintain a written workplace violence prevention plan and train employees on it.

Workplace violence is commonly grouped into four types. Type 1 involves criminals with no connection to the business, such as robbers. Type 2 involves customers, clients, or patients. Type 3 is worker-on-worker violence. Type 4 involves someone with a personal relationship to an employee, such as a current or former partner.

Warning signs of potential workplace violence include direct or veiled threats, intimidating behavior, and sudden changes in mood or performance. Increasing anger and fixation on weapons are other red flags. No single sign predicts violence, so report patterns of concerning behavior to a supervisor or HR rather than judging people individually.

If you witness workplace violence, move to a safe location first and call 911 if anyone is in danger. Do not physically intervene unless trained to do so. Report the incident to your supervisor or security as soon as possible, describe what you saw accurately, and cooperate with any follow-up investigation.