Keys to preventing workplace violence incidents

Criminal intent violence in the workplace generally involves perpetrators who have no specific relationship with a company or its employees. (Photo: Shutterstock)

When it comes to violence in the workplace, no company is immune. Workplace violence involves some type of intimidating behavior that leads to an act of aggression. However, there are several red flags to help managers and co-workers identify dangerous behaviors before they escalate.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, 20,870 private industry workers experienced some sort of trauma from non-fatal workplace incidents. Of those individuals, 68% were female and 65% were aged 25-54. Sadly, 70% of them worked in the healthcare and social assistance industries, with 41% of nurses experiencing bullying, incivility or other acts of workplace violence. According to Forbes, workplace violence causes businesses to lose $250-330 billion a year.