Workplace violence is a critical threat no organization can ignore, yet dangerous misconceptions often leave companies vulnerable. At the core of effective prevention is establishing your Standard of Care — your North Star that reflects your values and provides the vital framework of caution and prudence that safeguards employees, guests, and visitors by identifying and mitigating risks before they manifest into violence. It ensures consistent responses, reduces oversight, and holds everyone accountable for safety.
Organizations have a legal obligation to provide a secure environment and comply with safety laws such as OSHA and specific state regulations — California’s SB 553, for example. Organizations need to document policies and take reasonable steps to prevent violence to employees and the general public. Failure to follow an established Standard of Care or best practices may be deemed negligence, risking significant liability in the case of an injury or death. Equally, having a documented and active Standard of Care serves as evidence of diligence and a defensible response plan.
Despite its importance, myths about workplace violence lead many to downplay the need for comprehensive prevention. In this blog, we debunk five common misconceptions that could endanger your organization and highlight why a Standard of Care is essential to any Workplace Violence Prevention and Threat Management strategy. Let’s set the record straight.
Five Common Myths About Workplace Violence
1. Myth: "Workplace Violence Only Happens in High-Risk Industries"
Reality: Many believe that only industries like law enforcement, healthcare, or retail face risks of workplace violence due to their exposure to the public or high-stress environments. However, violence can occur in any workplace, from corporate offices to remote work settings, often stemming from internal conflicts, disgruntled employees, or personal issues spilling into the workplace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace violence incidents occur across diverse sectors, not just "high-risk" ones.
Standard of Care Connection: A Standard of Care ensures that every organization, regardless of industry, has policies in place to identify and mitigate risks through threat assessments and employee training, emphasizing safety and building employee confidence.
2. Myth: "We’ll Know a Threat When We See It"
Reality: There's a misconception that violent individuals or threats are always obvious, like someone displaying overt aggression. In truth, many incidents of workplace violence are preceded by subtle warning signs, such as verbal threats, erratic behavior, or social isolation, which can go unnoticed without proper training. Pinkerton’s Threat Management Group notes that early intervention based on behavioral indicators can mitigate escalation.
Standard of Care Connection: A Standard of Care includes training programs to help employees and managers recognize these subtle red flags and clearly understand established reporting mechanisms, ensuring threats aren’t missed.
3. Myth: "Workplace Violence is Rare, So We Don’t Need to Prepare"
Reality: Some organizations think workplace violence is too uncommon to warrant investment in prevention. Yet, OSHA reports that nearly 2 million American workers report incidents of workplace violence each year, and many more go unreported. Even one incident can have devastating consequences for employee safety, morale, and legal liability.
Standard of Care Connection: A Standard of Care prepares organizations for the unexpected by setting protocols for prevention, response, and recovery, reducing the impact of an incident and demonstrating due diligence.
4. Myth: "Workplace Violence is Always Physical and Obvious"
Reality: Many assume workplace violence only involves physical acts like assaults or attacks. However, it often includes non-physical forms such as verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, which can escalate if not addressed. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), workplace violence can cause long-term effects, both physical, as well as, psychological.
Standard of Care Connection: A Standard of Care incorporates policies to address all forms of violence, including non-physical threats, by committing to organizational values and practices that foster a culture of respect, provide conflict resolution training, and ensure clear reporting channels for all concerns.
5. Myth: "Our Small Organization Doesn’t Need Formal Policies"
Reality: Smaller organizations often believe their size or close-knit nature exempts them from needing formal violence prevention policies. Yet, workplace violence can occur anywhere, and small businesses may lack the resources to recover from an incident without preparation. The U.S. Small Business Administration — and OSHA — highlight that even small workplaces must comply with safety regulations and protect employees from harm.
Standard of Care Connection: A Standard of Care is scalable and essential for organizations of any size, providing a structured approach to risk assessment and incident response, which can be tailored to fit smaller teams while still meeting legal obligations.
Trusted Workplace Safety Solutions
No organization can afford to ignore the threat of workplace violence. Dispelling myths is only the beginning; the real challenge is establishing and maintaining a Workplace Violence Prevention Program and Standard of Care that protects your employees, upholds your organization's integrity, and complies with legal obligations.
If you're uncertain about your Workplace Violence Prevention Plan or need a more comprehensive and consistent policy, Pinkerton's Threat Management Group can help. Our experts can review your current policies or help you develop new ones. We’re here when you need us. We never sleep.
