Workplace Violence: Are You Taking Required Steps to Protect Your Employees?
April marks Workplace Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to emphasizing the risks of workplace violence and necessary steps for prevention . This month serves as a crucial opportunity for employers to reassess their workplace violence policies, ensure compliance with evolving laws and regulations, and minimize liability. All employers should be mindful of the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s (“OSH Act”) General Duty Clause. The OSH Act generally requires that employers implement sufficient safeguards to protect the health and safety of employees from recognized workplace hazards. The General Duty Clause requires that employers identify and assess safety risks, including those related to workplace violence, and implement proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries. Failure to meet these obligations can result in legal consequences and citations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). Recently, an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”...