When you show up to work, your focus should be on doing your job, not concerned with your safety. But for far too many people, especially those in healthcare, protective services, and customer-facing roles, the threat of danger is a daily reality.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace violence as any act of discrimination, intimidation, physical assault, or other disruptive behavior directed at someone while they’re on duty.

Despite growing awareness and prevention efforts, workplace violence continues to be a serious concern. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that healthcare workers, in particular, are regularly exposed to verbal and physical attacks. Others in high-risk fields (sales, protective services, and transportation) face an even greater danger, including the threat of serious violent crime.

Stress and violence should never be accepted as part of your job. While policies and protective measures are being strengthened, the responsibility doesn’t end there. We should each be mindful and play a role in recognizing warning signs, reporting threats, and looking out for one another.

Who Are the Biggest Threats in Workplace Violence?

The biggest threats in workplace violence typically fall into four categories based on the relationship between the perpetrator and the workplace:

Type I: Strangers — The Outsider Threat

This kind of workplace violence happens when someone who has no connection to your job shows up in your workplace to steal, harm, or intimidate. This is the most dangerous and unpredictable type of workplace violence because it often happens without warning signs and escalates quickly, especially if the offender is armed or under the influence of external substances.

Example

A gang of masked robbers walks into a convenience store late at night, demands money, and physically assaults the cashier if they don’t comply. Or, a trespasser wanders into a warehouse and attacks a security guard when confronted.

Why It’s So Dangerous

🔢 These types of outside threats are often desperate, armed, and willing to use force.

🔢 Their motives are purely criminal: theft, retaliation, or simply causing harm. They target people, especially women, who are frequently alone or working in low-security environments.

Biggest Risk For

🛒 Retail workers handling money at registers

⛽ Gas station clerks, especially during overnight shifts

🍔 Fast food and convenience store staff working off-hours

🚚 Delivery drivers and parking attendants in isolated spots

How to Stay Safe

🔐 Use drop safes and keep only minimal cash on hand. It’s a simple way to lower the risk of being targeted.

🎥 Install visible security cameras to deter threats and assist investigators if something does happen.

📣 Make sure you’re trained to respond during a robbery: stay calm, don’t resist, and take mental notes that could help law enforcement.

💡 Keep your workspace well-lit, both inside and out. Good lighting can discourage criminal behavior and help you stay observant of your surroundings.

👥 Whenever possible, avoid working alone, especially at night. Having a coworker nearby can add an extra layer of safety.

🩷 And for a bit of extra peace of mind, consider carrying a self-defense keychain. These compact tools are easy to keep on hand and make you feel more secure during your shift.

Type II: Customers, Clients, or Patients

This type of workplace violence happens when the person causing harm is actually someone you're trying to help, like a patient, customer, or client. It doesn’t come out of the blue, and it normally happens during everyday interactions, when you're just doing your job.

If you work in healthcare, social services, retail, or any public-facing role, you’ve probably dealt with people who are frustrated, confused, or in pain. Sometimes those emotions boil over if mental health issues, substance use, or long wait times are involved.

Example

A patient in the emergency room, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, becomes agitated about delays in care and suddenly strikes a nurse. Or a customer in a bank lobby becomes aggressive and threatens the teller after being denied service.

Biggest Risk For

👩⚕️ Healthcare workers: Nurses, doctors, emergency room staff, and aides are often on the front lines, facing patients in pain, crisis, or distress.

🧑🏫 Social workers: those working with vulnerable or high-risk individuals in unpredictable settings, such as homes, shelters, or correctional facilities.

📞 Customer service personnel: From retail clerks to call center reps, they regularly handle complaints, refusals, and emotional customers, which can sometimes turn aggressive.

🏢 Public-facing government employees: DMV clerks, postal workers, and public benefits staff often are involved with long lines, delays, and frustrated individuals, making them potential targets for verbal or physical aggression.

How to Stay Safe

Recognize the Risks

Working in emergency rooms, mental health units, or home care settings can expose you to unpredictable behaviors. Be aware of your surroundings and the early warning signs, such as agitation or verbal aggression. 

Follow Your Facility’s Safety Protocols

Make sure your workplace has a violence prevention program and that you know it inside and out. This includes:

• Reporting procedures

• Incident documentation

• Clear consequences for aggression

• Attend safety training sessions to stay sharp and informed

Create a Safer Environment

Security measures matter and can help deescalate or discourage dangerous action. Install visible surveillance cameras, restrict public access, and make sure all workspaces, especially hallways and exits, are well lit.

Strengthen Communication

Open dialogue can save lives. Speak up about unsafe situations and encourage your team to do the same. Regular huddles or check-ins build trust and make it easier to note red flags early.

Use De-Escalation Techniques

Techniques like active listening, calm body language, and controlled tone can often diffuse tension before it explodes.

Know How to Get Help Fast

Familiarize yourself with panic buttons, duress alarms, and emergency codes. Never hesitate to activate them if you sense immediate danger.

Lean on Support Systems

After an incident, you don’t have to carry the weight alone. Most healthcare settings provide employee assistance programs (EAPs) for emotional support 💙. Talking to a counselor or peer can help you process trauma and regain confidence.

Never Work Alone If You Can Avoid It

Try to schedule high-risk tasks when you’re not alone. Whether it's a shift partner or nearby security, there’s safety in numbers, especially during overnight or understaffed hours.

Type III: Coworkers or Former Employees — The Inside Threat

This type of workplace violence involves someone within the organization. They could be a current or former employee who turns violent due to internal pressures. It often stems from personal grievances, unresolved conflicts, feelings of injustice, or emotional breakdowns triggered by job-related stress, demotion, or termination.

Because the attacker is (or was) an insider, they often know the schedules, layout, and vulnerabilities of the workplace, making this type of violence quite dangerous and difficult to predict.

Example

A disgruntled employee, recently laid off, returns to confront a manager and threatens them in front of coworkers. Or, a current staff member snaps after weeks of tension and assaults a teammate during a heated argument.

Warning Signs May Include

🔥 Sudden mood swings or outbursts
💣 Making threats or talking about revenge
🧍♂️ Withdrawal from coworkers or increased isolation
📉 Decline in job performance or frequent conflicts
❗Expressing paranoia, being overly defensive, or blaming others

⚠️ Biggest Risk For

🏢 All workplaces, regardless of size or industry
😤 Especially risky in high-stress environments or places with poor conflict resolution policies.
🚪 Companies going through layoffs, restructuring, or leadership changes are particularly vulnerable.

How to Stay Safe

🗣️ Speak up early. If conflict arises between you and a coworker, try to resolve it calmly and respectfully. Don’t let resentment simmer. If it feels unsafe or unmanageable, loop in HR or a supervisor right away.

📋 Take threats seriously. Whether it’s a direct comment or something overheard, all threats should be reported and documented. Early intervention can prevent escalation.

🔐 Secure access to the building. Make sure only authorized employees can enter workspaces. Use keycards, badges, or front-desk check-ins to keep former employees or outsiders from walking in unnoticed.

📣 Know the emergency plan. Familiarize yourself with your company’s emergency response procedures. Know where to go, who to call, and how to alert others if something feels wrong.

🚫 Don’t confront alone. If you’re worried about someone’s behavior, don’t try to handle it by yourself. Always involve a manager or security, especially if tensions are rising.

🤝 Foster a supportive work culture. Encourage open communication, recognize signs of stress in your team, and support mental health resources like EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs). A connected workplace can help catch problems early.

Type IV: Personal Relationships

Occasionally workplace violence doesn’t come from a stranger; it comes from someone you know. A partner, ex, or family member showing up at your job and bringing their conflict with them is a serious safety concern.

This kind of situation is often an extension of domestic abuse. While you might want to keep it private, it becomes everyone’s business the moment your safety is in danger on the job.

That’s why workplaces need to have clear policies, proper staff training, and a system in place to flag and respond to these personal threats before they escalate.

Example

An abusive ex-partner may stalk, harass, or physically assault their victim at work, putting not only the targeted employee in danger but also their coworkers and customers.

Biggest Risk For

Workplaces that lack proper visitor screening, security checkpoints, or front-desk personnel are especially vulnerable. Without these safeguards, anyone can walk in undetected, which is exactly what makes this form of violence so dangerous.

How to Stay Safe

🗣️ Confide in someone you trust, especially if you’re dealing with a violent or threatening partner. Notify HR, your supervisor, or security discreetly so they can help create a safety plan.

📄 Request safety accommodations. You may be able to adjust your schedule, relocate your workspace, or receive escorts to your vehicle. Many employers are legally required to consider these adjustments under workplace safety and anti-discrimination laws.

🧑⚖️ Keep legal protection in place. If you have a restraining or protective order, provide a copy to your employer or security team. They can help enforce it on-site.

🚫 Avoid working alone. Especially if your abuser knows your schedule, try to work shifts when others are present and stay in secure areas.

🔁 Change your routines. Switch up your parking spot, entry door, or shift times to make it harder for someone to track your movements.