Q&A: Workplace violence policy requirements

Is there a requirement/standard from OSHA to have a workplace violence policy/program?

OSHA does not have a specific regulatory standard for workplace violence, but they can and do cite employers for failure to protect employees from harm due to workplace violence under the “General Duty Clause” of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. For your information, the general duty clause reads as follows:

(a) Each employer –
(1) 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 to his employees;

The OSHA compliance directive for workplace violence, CPL 02-01-058, “Enforcement Procedures and Scheduling for Occupational Exposure to Workplace Violence” provides detailed guidance to OSHA inspectors in conducting workplace violence investigations and preparing enforcement cases. This document also includes information to assist employers in effectively addressing workplace violence. Therefore, this OSHA document serves to outline key elements and standards of practice for a workplace violence program.

OSHA offers further guidance to employers on workplace violence prevention, including information on the levels of violence in the workplace, assessing the hazards in different settings, and developing workplace violence prevention plans for individual worksites.

Several states–most recently, California– have adopted workplace violence prevention requirements for general industry employers. Additionally, some states have adopted workplace violence prevention requirements that are specific to healthcare facilities. Check the regulations in your state for more information.

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