By Michele R. Punturi & Susan DeCaro 

Acts of violence can happen anywhere, including in the workplace. Therefore, it is imperative that employers, insurance carriers, and third party administrators working individually and together continue to develop and implement effective workplace violence prevention programs.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace violence as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behavior including from verbal and written threats, stalking, threatening bodily language, and physical assaults directed toward a person at work or on duty.” While federal law does not provide a duty for employers to prevent workplace violence against employees, the OSHA Act mandates that employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment, specifically requiring employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to its employees.