Introduction: Workplace Violence as an Occupational Hazard
Workplace violence is a growing occupational safety concern that affects virtually every industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace homicides averaged 392 per year between 2019-2023, making intentional injuries by another person one of the leading causes of workplace death. Beyond fatalities, an estimated 2 million workers experience workplace violence annually, ranging from verbal threats to physical assaults.
For employers, workplace violence represents a convergence of legal liability, worker safety, productivity loss, and reputational risk. While OSHA does not yet have a dedicated workplace violence standard for most industries, the agency actively enforces prevention through the General Duty Clause — and new state laws are establishing increasingly specific requirements.
This guide provides a comprehensive framework for workplace violence prevention that satisfies current OSHA expectations, state law requirements, and industry best practices for 2026.
OSHA's Regulatory Framework
The General Duty Clause
Without a specific standard, OSHA relies on Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act — the General Duty Clause:
> *"Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm."*
For a General Duty Clause citation related to workplace violence, OSHA must establish:
1. A hazard existed — A condition or practice that exposed employees to violence
2. The hazard was recognized — By the employer, the industry, or common sense (prior incidents, industry data, or expert knowledge)
3. The hazard was causing or likely to cause death or serious harm — Based on the severity of potential outcomes
4. A feasible abatement existed — Reasonable measures were available to reduce the hazard
OSHA Guidance Documents
OS