Understanding the Warning Signs: Workplace Violence Prevention Tip

April is Workplace Violence Prevention Month — a time to shine a light on something we all care about: keeping people safe at work.

Whether you manage a big team or just opened your own shop, creating a safe environment is everyone’s job.

Workplace violence doesn’t usually come out of nowhere. It often starts with small warning signs—like discomfort, tension, or poor communication—that get ignored.

So how do you stop problems before they start? Here are some smart, simple steps that can make a big difference:

1. Start With Awareness

Encourage your team to be alert and trust their gut—not just in obvious places like parking garages or dimly lit areas, but everywhere. Safety isn’t just about physical spaces—it’s about noticing when something or someone feels “off.”

Tip: Put up signs in break rooms and restrooms that say, “If something feels wrong, speak up.” Make it easy to report concerns—an anonymous Google Voice Number that team members can text anonymously works great! Many employees, especially women, worry about backlash when reporting something. Don’t assume they feel safe—make it clear that you have their back.

2. Make Emergency Plans Crystal Clear

It’s not enough to have a plan. Your team needs to know it, and be confident enough to act when something happens. Lockdowns, evacuations, medical situations—all of these need to be discussed ahead of time.

Tip: Humans, don't just have Fight or Flight – we also have FREEZE.

Go over emergency plans every few months, and practice a few quick scenarios twice a year. Assign roles (who calls 911, helps customers, checks restrooms, etc.) so no one freezes under pressure.

3. Lock Down Entry Points

Prevent problems before they walk through the door. Literally. Keeping entry points secure is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase safety.

Tip: Have a sign-in system for all visitors and make sure staff are keeping an eye out. Once a year, do an “entry test” to see how easy it would be for someone to slip through unnoticed. You'll be surprised by what you find.

4. Normalize Mental Health Check-Ins

Managers, we're talking to you. Stress doesn’t stay at home—it shows up at work, and it can lead to bigger issues if ignored. Supporting mental health isn’t just a “nice” thing. It’s a safety measure.

Tip: Encourage managers to ask, “How are you doing?”—not just “How’s that project going?” If your company can't afford to offer free Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), then create a flyer and list local counseling services or free crisis centers where staff will actually see them, like in break rooms and bathroom stalls.

5. Teach People How to De-Escalate

Most workplace incidents don’t start out violent—they escalate, and it happens before you can blink. Giving your team tools to calm a situation down can prevent a crisis.

Tip: Host a one-hour refresher every few months to go over tone of voice, body language, and when to get help. Let staff share stories or past experiences to work through real situations together. It’s fast, it’s practical, and it builds confidence.

Safety Starts Here

Workplace Violence Prevention isn't just about reacting to the worst-case scenario. It's about creating an environment where respect, preparedness, and communication are standard.

Not sure where to start? P3 Training Group can help. We offer training on everything from Active Shooter Scenarios to Sexual Harassment – and we have a package that will work for you. Talk to us today: https://meetings.hubspot.com/shelly-emery?uuid=3707c812-917a-48b2-8d87-be6d366b6a2a