Are Verbal Threats Violence in the Workplace?

Workplace violence may occur at, or outside of, the workplace.

Workplace violence is violence or threat of violence against workers. This may occur in the workplace or outside of it. This includes physical assaults as well as verbal abuse or threats, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Documentation

It is important to document verbal threats in the workplace with complete and accurate documentation. This should be submitted in a timely manner to the appropriate authority or agency.

Employee Responsibility

When a verbal threat occurs an employee should immediately remove herself from possible danger. The employee should contact her immediate supervisor to report the verbal threat.

Supervisor Responsibility

Supervisors should determine the seriousness of any reported verbal threats and possibly remove employee(s) from the workplace if necessary. Supervisors should explore strategies to prevent future occurrences.

References

• United States Department of Agriculture: 4735-4Rev3
• OSHA: factsheet-workplace-violence