Posted On: July 28, 2026
Nobody walks into work expecting trouble. You are there to do your job, work with your team, and go home at the end of the day. Most of the time, that is exactly what happens.
But not always.Workplace violence affects nearly two million workers in the United States every year. It is not limited to the dramatic incidents that make the news. It can be a coworker who makes threatening comments after a poor performance review or a customer who becomes aggressive when they do not get what they want.
OSHA defines workplace violence as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening behavior that occurs at a worksite. It can happen in hospitals, warehouses, retail stores, schools, offices, and construction sites. No industry is immune, and every employer has a responsibility to address the risk of workplace violence.
Employers often assume workplace violence is something that happens somewhere else, in a different industry, or to a different type of business. That assumption is one reason many workplaces are unprepared when an incident occurs.
Workplace violence rarely happens without warning. There are often signs that something is wrong. A sudden change in a person's behavior. Strong feelings of anger toward a coworker or supervisor. Threatening comments, whether direct or indirect. Unusual or concerning behavior. Talk about getting even or seeking revenge.
Workers who are trained to identify these warning signs and know how to report them can give their employer an opportunity to take action before a situation becomes more serious.
Workers who have never received workplace violence prevention training may not know what to look for and may dismiss warning signs as ordinary behavior until a serious incident occurs.
Under OSHA's General Duty Clause, every employer in the United States is required to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious harm. Workplace violence is a recognized hazard in any industry where workers interact with the public, work in high-stress environments, or have experienced past incidents of violence.
OSHA recommends that every employer develop a written Workplace Violence Prevention Program that includes worksite analysis, hazard controls, clear reporting procedures, and regular training for all workers and supervisors.
Every worker and supervisor should receive Workplace Violence Prevention training. This training helps employees understand workplace violence risks, identify warning signs, know how to report concerns, and learn the steps to take during a workplace violence situation.
Industries with a higher risk of workplace violence, including healthcare, social services, retail, education, transportation, and late-night businesses, should make this training an important part of their workplace safety program.
OSHA Training School offers Workplace Violence Prevention training online in both English and Spanish. The self-paced course allows workers and supervisors to complete the training on their own schedule using a phone, tablet, or laptop. The training covers workplace violence risks, warning signs, reporting procedures, and steps workers can take to help maintain a safer work environment. By providing employees with this training, employers can help create a safer workplace where workers are prepared to respond to workplace violence situations.
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