Reasons For Workplace Violence Prevention

Workplace violence can involve not only physical violence, but also threats, bullying and disruptive behavior, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Handbook on Workplace Violence Prevention and Response. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that in 2009, 1.7 million workers were the victims of workplace violence. Yet many workplaces do not have policies in place to address this issue.

Protection of Employees

For any company that employs workers, safety should be a priority. Employees have the right to feel safe when they come to work, the Texas Department of Insurance says. They should know that their employers are taking measures to keep them safe. Workers who believe they are safe and protected are more productive while at work, according to the department.

Reducing Threats

The Texas Department of Insurance advises that employers should have crisis management plans in place, and all employees should be told of these plans. Employees should have the information they need to deal with dangerous situations. The USDA Handbook on Workplace Violence Prevention and Response advises forming a team to assess possible threats. It also recommends training supervisors in how to deal with conflict. This can keep some conflicts among employees from escalating.

Reduce Cost and Prevent Lawsuits

According to TTG Consultants, a human resource-consulting group in Los Angeles Calif., workplace violence costs nearly $4 billion every year in loss of productivity, damage to property, lawsuits and lost sales. The consultants add that when workplace violence occurs, employers may be liable. This can be an expensive lesson for some businesses.