OSHA has identified violence in the workplace as a significant occupational hazard, and it is actively considering a specific standard focused on the prevention of workplace violence, primarily targeting the healthcare and social assistance sectors.
There are also other industries that are recognized as having more vulnerable populations such as retail and public transportation. Acts of Violence are the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the US. According to the BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), of the annual number of workplace fatalities, an estimated 14% were caused by violent acts. This makes workplace violence a major concern for employers and employees nationwide.
OSHA has identified violence as a high-priority hazard in these types of occupations scenarios due to their elevated risks of injury. However, OSHA considers Workplace Violence as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors.
OSHA has pinpointed certain occupational factors as contributory to a higher risk of violence to a workforce.
- Jobs where money is exchanged with the public
- Working with volatile, unstable populations
- Working alone or in isolated areas on a frequent basis
- Working where alcohol is served
- Working late at night or in areas with high crime rates
- Providing customer service or assistance
- Providing law enforcement services
While OSHA’s notice of proposed rulemaking was previously targeted for release, the regulatory timeline shifted, and the proposed rule was moved to a long-term action category, making the specific release date yet to be determined. The proposed framework applies specifically to employers in fields like hospitals, residential behavioral health, home healthcare, and social assistance, where workers face heightened risks of violence from patients, clients, and visitors.
In the meanwhile, Guidance Documents are available on the OSHA website for many industries.
OSHA currently enforces worker protections under the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act), which legally requires all employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards—including violence—that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
Among the States, enforcement level programs have already moved forward in California, New Jersey, Illinois, Washington, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, and New York.