Who should intervene to prevent workplace violence?

• A. Both staff and leadership
• B. Security
• C. External investigators only
• D. Patients

Answer: (A)

Workplace violence prevention hinges on a shared responsibility across the organization. Frontline staff are essential players: they monitor for early warning signs, use de-escalation techniques, adhere to safety protocols, document concerns, and escalate risks to leadership when needed. Leadership roles are equally vital: they create and enforce policies, provide ongoing training in risk assessment and de-escalation, ensure adequate staffing and safe environmental design, and maintain clear reporting and response systems. Security contributes by implementing safety measures and responding to threats, but it isn’t the sole or primary driver of prevention. External investigators analyze incidents after they happen, not prevent them day to day. Patients may be involved in violence, but preventing violence relies on the organized efforts of staff and leadership working together to establish a safe culture and system-wide protections.