A workplace violence program should be based on the possibility of violence occurring.

First, evaluate any past incidents of violence or possible violence. A threatening phone call from an estranged spouse to an employee a can be called a violent incident. There are three basic categories of violence. (Criminal Act, Recipient of a Service, and Employment Relationship)

A criminal act of violence involves verbal threats, threatening behavior or physical assaults by an assailant who has no legitimate business relationship to the workplace. Areas at risk are in money handling, working alone, workplace in a high crime area, valuables located at workplace, public safety issues.

In a recipient of a service act of violence, the person causing violence is either the recipient or the object of a service provided by the workplace. The person is a current or former client, passenger, or customer. Areas at risk are in working alone, being in a high crime area, drugs and alcohol, misunderstanding of rules and procedures, and conflicting expectations of the service.

In an employment relationship act of violence, the person has an employment-related involvement with the workplace: In a job related act of violence, a current or former employee is angry about a certain situation. In a non-related act of violence, a person who has a relationship with a current or former employee is upset about a certain situation. Domestic violence erupting at work is one of the most common types of workplace violence.

Every employee should understand that violence should be expected but can be avoided through preparation. Employees should be instructed to limit physical interventions in workplace altercations whenever possible. Employees who may face safety and security hazards should receive formal instruction on the dangers associated with the workplace.

The training program should involve all employees. They must know the early signs of warning signs or situations that may lead to assaults. They must also know how to deal with hostile persons and how to put some kind of barrier between then and the event. (For example a locking door or activating an alarm system)

Accepting violence will occur in the workplace will lead to a policy that aid in training. Being prepared for the worst will keep everyone as safe as possible.