Workplace Violence Prevention

Violence of any kind is not accepted or tolerated in the workplace. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

Workplace Violence Prevention

Workplace violence in the healthcare sector is a critical and growing concern in the United States. Healthcare workers face a significantly higher risk of violence compared to other industries, with nearly 2 million workers reporting incidents annually. The nature of healthcare, involving direct and often stressful interactions with patients and their families, contributes to this elevated risk. At SBHI, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for our staff and clients. We firmly believe that workplace violence in any form—be it physical, verbal, or psychological—will not be tolerated. Our comprehensive prevention and response strategies are designed to protect our employees and ensure that our clinic remains a secure place for everyone. Together, we can create a safer workplace and promote a culture of respect and safety.

Forms of Violence

  • Physical Violence: Includes hitting, pushing, or any form of physical harm.
  • Verbal Abuse: Includes shouting, swearing, or threats.
  • Sexual Harassment: Any unwelcome sexual advances or remarks.
  • Psychological Abuse: Includes bullying, intimidation, and manipulation.

Types of Workplace Violence

  1. Type I: Criminal Intent: Violence by individuals with no legitimate relationship to the business or its employees, typically during a crime.
  2. Type II: Customer/Client: Violence directed at employees by clients, patients, or customers.
  3. Type III: Worker-on-Worker: Violence between coworkers, including managers and subordinates.
  4. Type IV: Personal Relationship: Violence by someone who has a personal relationship with an employee, such as a domestic partner.

Impact of Violence

Physical Injuries

Can range from minor cuts to serious physical harm.

Emotional Trauma

Anxiety, depression, PTSD.

Decreased Productivity

Distraction and absenteeism.

Legal and Financial Consequences

Legal action and increased insurance premiums.

High Turnover

Employees may leave due to an unsafe work environment.

Statistics

Nearly 2 million

American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year.

5x

Healthcare workers are at five times higher risk of incidents of workplace violence compared with other industries.

1/4

Workers reports experiencing workplace bullying.

Myths and Facts

Myth: Workplace Violence is Rare

Fact: Workplace violence is more common than many believe and can occur in any industry.

Fact: Verbal and psychological abuse are also forms of workplace violence.

Fact: There are often warning signs before an incident occurs.

Warning Signs and Stages

Warning Signs

  • Behavioral Changes: Increased aggression, irritability.
  • Verbal Threats: Direct or indirect threats to harm someone.
  • Social Withdrawal: Isolating from coworkers or social interactions.
  • Substance Abuse: Increased use of drugs or alcohol.
  • Changes in Work Performance: Decreased productivity, absenteeism.

Stages of Violence:

Stage 1:

Warning Danger Signals • State of Distress • Potential Danger

Individuals displaying Stage 1 behavior may be overlooked or dismissed by their coworkers and supervisors. Common characteristics of Stage 1 are:

  1. Expressing mental state of distress and overwhelmed and helpless feelings
  2. Indicating that there is no positive resolution to problems
  3. Demonstrating angry behavior and sometimes confronting and challenging others
  4. Displaying a pattern of behavior or languages which results
    in emotional distress from others in the workplace
  5. Stage 1 indicators are:
    1. Often subtle and obscure
    2. Likely to be ignored or dismissed
    3. Denied as a problem related to violence

Stage 2:

Escalation • The “Bridge” Stage

Individuals displaying Stage 2 behavior may be close to committing violence. They may feel justified in acting violently because their expectations have not been met. Common characteristics of Stage 2 are:

  1. Demonstrating that they feel victimized by management
  2. Expressing a “me against them” perspective
  3. Becoming vocal about their sense of hopelessness or powerlessness
  4. Displaying actions or behaviors that are causing other employees to become uneasy and concerned
  5. Examples of behaviors of individuals in Stage 2 may display are:
    1. Handles criticism poorly
    2. Argues frequently and intensely and acts out of anger or frustration consistently
    3. Openly and blatantly disobedient of organizational policies and procedures
    4. Sets traps for others
    5. Vandalizes and/or steals from the workplace or from other employees for revenge
    6. Expresses hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and/or suicide threats
    7. Conveys sexual attention to others who do not want it
    8. Maintains an excessive/ obsessive focus on another worker
    9. Makes direct or indirect threats

Stage 3:

Immediate Danger

Individuals displaying Stage 3 behavior pose a clear and present threat of danger. They may cause harm to themselves or to others, though these acts or behaviors do not necessarily indicate that violence will occur. Common characteristics of Stage 3 are:

    1. Acting out of rage
    2. Directly and credibly threatening to cause physical harm to another
    3. Assaulting another person
    4. Confronting and getting into altercations with others
    5. Physically fighting
    6. Destroying property
    7. Concealing a weapon to do harm
    8. Committing murder, sexual assault, and/or mayhem
    9. Conducting armed robbery
    10. Threatening suicide
    11. Attempting suicide

What To Do If An Incident Occurs

If you are hurt or in immediate danger, call 911

  1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location and call for help.
  2. Report the Incident: Notify your supervisor immediately. 
  3. Record the Incident: Document the incident (CAL OSHA, LACDMH reporting forms) within 24 hours. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to provide the forms to the Program Director.
  4. Follow Up: Participate in any investigations and follow organizational protocols.
  5. Support Services: Access counseling and support services as needed through the Employee Assistance Program.
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