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Workplace Violence: Recognizing, Preventing And Responding Stats and Facts

FACTS

  1. Escalation Warning Signs: Verbal aggression, clenched fists, pacing, or hostile tone signal rising tension that can quickly transition into violent behavior.
  2. Threat Indicators: Direct threats, intimidating comments, or fixation on a grievance indicate a high-risk individual who may move toward action.
  3. Environmental Vulnerabilities: Uncontrolled access points, isolated work areas, and inadequate visibility increase the chance of surprise attacks or assaults.
  4. High-Risk Interactions: Disciplinary meetings, customer disputes, terminations, and enforcement tasks often trigger emotional reactions that escalate into violence.
  5. Delayed Reporting: Workers who ignore or minimize early warning cues allow threatening behavior to grow unchecked, increasing the likelihood of physical incidents.
  6. Lack of De-Escalation Skills: Without training, employees may respond with anger, defensiveness, or poor communication—behaviors that can intensify conflict.

STATS

  • In Canada, nearly 1 in 2 workers (about 49%) experienced sexual harassment and violence in the workplace over the last two years (2020-2021 survey data), with underreporting due to fear of retaliation hindering prevention efforts.
  • Over 70% of Canadian employees have experienced at least one form of workplace harassment or violence (2020-2021), including verbal abuse and intimidation, often in healthcare and education where response protocols are critical.
  • In the US, workplace violence costs businesses $130 billion annually in lost productivity, medical costs, and legal fees (2020-2025 estimates), with 85% of training programs recognizing bullying as a form of violence to improve prevention.
  • Canadian nurses reported 61% experiencing serious workplace violence issues, including 30% sexual harassment and 21% physical violence (2020-2023), underscoring gaps in early recognition and rapid response systems.
  • Workplace violence accounted for about 14% of all occupational fatalities in the U.S. in 2022.