Workplace Violence — Tips For Minimizing Liability Risks

The specter of workplace violence is certainly one of the top concerns that keep employers awake at night. Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at work, ranging from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. Violence is the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the U.S. In 2019, 761 of such fatalities were cases of intentional injury by another person.

Employers should consider the following strategies to prevent and/or reduce violence at work and to minimize potential liability:

1. Screen Job Applicants. Job applications, reference checks, criminal background checks, drug and alcohol testing, and interviews can alert employers to potential problems. Please note, however, that employers must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and other similar state law requirements regarding the procurement of background