According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 57,610 nonfatal workplace injuries or illnesses caused by assaults and violent acts in 2021-2022. This workplace violence led to transfers, job restrictions, and days away from work. Even more concerning, there were 524 workplace homicides.

These alarming statistics show that workplace violence is a pressing concern for businesses of all sizes and industries. Workplace violence is not limited to physical altercations — it can manifest in different forms, such as verbal threats, harassment, and bullying.

Violence can impact employee safety, productivity, and company culture, so addressing these issues is crucial for creating a safe working environment where employees can thrive. Understanding the root causes of workplace violence and implementing preventative measures can help reduce the risk of these incidents occurring.

What is workplace violence?

Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical harm, intimidation, or disruptive behavior within the work environment. It can disrupt productivity, create a hostile atmosphere, and pose serious risks to employee safety and well-being.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence is the third leading cause of death in American workplaces. The motivations for workplace violence can vary from personal conflicts to ideological beliefs.

Examples of workplace violence include:

• Verbal threats or abuse, such as shouting or threatening language 
• Physical violence, like hitting, pushing, or other forms of physical assault
• Intimidation, including actions or gestures that create fear or pressure
• Other disruptive behaviors, such as vandalism or sexual harassment 

4 common types of workplace violence and their causes

There are four common types of workplace violence that organizations should be aware of: customer or client violence, worker-to-worker violence, domestic violence, and criminal intent.

These types of violence can have different underlying causes and may require specific prevention strategies. Businesses need to know how to recognize and address the warning signs before they escalate into more severe incidents.

Criminal intent (Type I violence)

Criminal intent, also referred to as Type I violence, is one of the most common forms of workplace violence. It occurs when an individual with no legitimate relationship to the business or its employees commits a violent act on company premises. Examples include robberies and trespassing incidents.

The underlying causes of criminal intent can include:

• Economic distress, such as unemployment or financial problems, that drives individuals to commit crimes 
• Drug-related crimes, where individuals under the influence may resort to violence in pursuit of money or other resources
• Opportunistic theft, which targets businesses with valuable assets or locations that are easily accessible

How to reduce this type of workplace violence

• Secure access points with license plate reading (LPR) technology to monitor vehicles approaching the business.
• Improve parking lot surveillance and security lighting to deter criminals.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities within the workplace and implement targeted security measures.

Customer or client violence (Type II violence)

Type II violence refers to incidents where customers, clients, or patients initiate acts of violence or aggression toward employees. This type of violence is particularly prevalent in healthcare settings, retail, and hospitality, where employees frequently interact directly with the public. 

The root causes of this type of violence can include:

• Frustration, often due to extended wait times or service issues
• Mental health crises that cause individuals to act out in unpredictable and potentially dangerous ways
• Disputes over service quality or satisfaction that escalate into physical confrontations

How to reduce this type of workplace violence

• Train employees to recognize and report warning signs of potential violence, such as aggressive behavior or verbal threats. 
• Provide de-escalation training to employees and empower them to use their judgment in managing difficult customers. 

• Use AI-powered monitoring tools to detect suspicious behavior early and intervene before it escalates into violence. 
• Provide employees with a safe means of reporting incidents and offer them emotional support and counseling after experiencing an episode of violence.

Worker-on-worker violence (Type III violence)

Worker-on-worker violence, also known as Type III violence, refers to incidents of conflict or violence between employees within the same workplace. 

It can manifest in various forms, such as physical altercations, verbal abuse, or even sabotage of work materials. This type of violence is typically the result of long-standing tensions or unresolved conflicts between employees, which may escalate to a violent incident.

The causes of worker-on-worker violence can include:

• Stress and pressure from work-related tasks or deadlines
• Unresolved conflicts between employees, such as disputes over job responsibilities or personal differences

• A toxic work environment that perpetuates aggressive behavior or bullying

How to reduce this type of workplace violence

• Establish a clear and comprehensive workplace violence prevention policy that highlights expected conduct and includes zero-tolerance rules for harassment and violence.
• Train managers and HR teams to identify early warning signs of aggression, such as increased absenteeism or tense employee interactions.

• Encourage reporting of incidents and provide employees with anonymous channels for voicing concerns about workplace conflicts.

• Provide employees with access to mental health support and resources, as workplace stress can contribute to violent incidents.

Domestic-related workplace violence (Type IV violence)

Type IV violence occurs when an individual with a personal relationship with an employee (such as a current or former partner) commits acts of violence at the workplace. The victims of this type of violence are often targeted due to their connection to the perpetrator rather than any work-related issues.

Domestic-related workplace violence can result from:

• Domestic disputes that spill over into the workplace, potentially putting other employees at risk
• Lack of security measures, such as restricted access to the workplace or screening for weapons at entrances to the building
• Stalking behaviors, where the perpetrator follows or harasses the victim at the workplace

How to reduce this type of workplace violence

• Monitor and track unauthorized visitors using license plate recognition (LPR) cameras at entry points.
• Educate employees on discreetly reporting concerns to HR or security, such as through an anonymous tip line or online reporting system.
• Implement workplace access control measures, such as ID badges or key cards, to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the building.

• Offer support and resources, such as counseling services, for employees who may be experiencing domestic violence outside of the workplace.

The impact of workplace violence on businesses

Workplace violence doesn’t just affect the individuals involved — it can have a significant impact on the overall workplace culture and operations. Employees feeling unsafe or threatened in their workplace can lead to low morale and decreased productivity.

Incidents of workplace violence can also result in high turnover rates, as employees may not feel comfortable or safe returning to work after a traumatic event. This constant cycle means higher costs associated with recruitment, onboarding, and training to replace departed staff, further straining resources.

In addition to the human toll, workplace violence may also have a significant financial impact on businesses. Legal fees, workers' compensation claims, and repair costs can quickly add up, draining valuable resources from a company. 

According to the National Safety Council, workplace violence costs businesses $167 billion in lost productivity, legal fees, and medical expenses. Moreover, it can have a lasting effect on a company's reputation and customer trust. 

Fortunately, modern solutions like virtual security perimeters are helping businesses implement more effective workplace violence prevention strategies — and minimizing the fallout when incidents do occur. 

For instance, Flock Safety helped a utility company serving nearly 170,000 connections across 22 counties deter violent crime and keep employees safe. The company installed Flock Safety’s LPR cameras in their headquarters, providing real-time alerts for suspicious activity and aiding law enforcement in identifying potential threats. 

Proactive solutions for deterring workplace violence in your business

Creating a safe and secure workplace should be a top priority for any business to protect employees and safeguard the company's reputation and assets. Here are some proactive solutions that businesses can implement to prevent workplace violence.

Strengthen workplace security with proactive technology

Flock Safety's license plate reading (LPR) cameras can provide real-time alerts for suspicious activity, helping businesses detect potential threats early on. With the ability to monitor multiple entrances and exits, as well as parking lots and surrounding areas, Flock Safety's LPR cameras create a virtual safety perimeter.

Businesses can access real-time footage and analytics with cloud-based security tools from any location, providing a comprehensive view of their property. This level of visibility and control can help businesses proactively identify potential threats and take necessary action to reduce incidents of violence.

Get started today with Flock Safety's LPR cameras and cloud-based security tools for your business.

Develop a workplace violence prevention program

Businesses should have a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program to help employees understand the warning signs and take appropriate action if they feel threatened or witness concerning behavior. This program should include clear policies, reporting procedures, and emergency protocols in case of an incident.

Regular training sessions for employees and management can also help raise awareness and equip individuals with the necessary tools to prevent workplace violence. Employees should understand their role in maintaining a safe workplace and know how to recognize and respond to potential threats.

Build a culture of communication and awareness

Open communication and awareness are crucial for deterring workplace violence. Foster a culture of open communication and encourage employees to speak up if they notice concerning behavior from a colleague or customer. 

HR teams should also proactively address any issues employees raise, with the support of security measures when necessary. Providing anonymous reporting options can help employees feel more comfortable sharing concerns without fear of retaliation.

Improve emergency response and law enforcement coordination

Businesses can improve emergency response and prevention efforts with a comprehensive plan for workplace violence incidents. Working closely with law enforcement to coordinate response times and share information can also aid in avoiding future incidents.

Integrating Flock Safety's LPR cameras and cloud-based security tools into your emergency response plan provides real-time information to law enforcement, helping them respond quickly and effectively. 

With virtual security perimeters, businesses can receive instant alerts when a known perpetrator or individual with a history of violent behavior enters their premises. And Flock Safety's collaboration with law enforcement can provide valuable information and evidence for investigations, leading to the arrest and prosecution of violent individuals.

Protect your workplace with smarter security solutions

The safety and well-being of your employees are nonnegotiable, and understanding the causes and warning signs of workplace violence is essential to deterring incidents. With a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program and the help of modern technology, you can safeguard your workplace and avoid potential threats.

Flock Safety's LPR cameras and cloud-based security tools help businesses stay ahead of security risks and take proactive measures to ensure a safe environment for their employees. We understand the importance of workplace safety and deliver effective, cutting-edge security solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Take the first step toward a safer workplace — book a demo of Flock Safety's security solutions today.