What can employers do to prevent workplace violence? Unfortunately, we have learned a lot about violence, but we can use that knowledge to our advantage. In order for an employer to implement preventative measures, it must first understand workplace violence itself, both in terms of the types of violent acts that can occur as well as the risk factors associated with the various types of workplace violence. According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), there are four types of workplace violence. The categories are as follows:

Type I: Criminal Intent. Violent acts committed by people who have entered the workplace to commit a robbery or other crime. Although these acts can be committed by current or former employees, the acting agent typically has no legitimate business relationship with the workplace and enters the affected workplace specifically to commit a criminal act.