Types of workplace violence defined by OSHA.

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  1. Name and describe the types of workplace violence defined by OSHA.

Full Answer Section

   
  1. Type 2: Customer/Client: This type of violence is committed by a customer or client who is unhappy with the service they have received or who has a personal vendetta against an employee. For example, a customer who shoots a cashier at a fast food restaurant after being refused a refund or a patient who assaults a nurse after being told they will have to wait for treatment.
  2. Type 3: Worker-on-Worker: This type of violence is committed by one employee against another. It can be motivated by a variety of factors, such as personal conflict, workplace rivalry, or bullying. For example, a coworker who assaults another coworker after being teased or who shoots their former manager after being fired.
  3. Type 4: Personal Relationship: This type of violence is committed by a person with a personal relationship to the employee, such as a spouse, ex-partner, or family member. For example, a spouse who stalks and harasses their employee spouse at work or a parent who shoots their child's teacher after being upset with the teacher's discipline methods.
It is important to note that these types of workplace violence are not mutually exclusive. For example, a Type 1 robbery could also be considered a Type 2 customer/client incident if the robber was motivated by a personal vendetta against the employee.  

Sample Answer

 

OSHA defines workplace violence as "any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site." OSHA also identifies four types of workplace violence:

  1. Type 1: Criminal Intent: This type of violence is committed by a person who has no legitimate relationship to the business or its employees and is usually committing a crime in conjunction with the violence (e.g., robbery, shoplifting, trespassing). For example, a nurse assaulted in the hospital parking garage or a home health care nurse mugged while conducting a home visit.