Final answer:
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) categorizes workplace violence into four types: violence by outsiders, client-on-worker violence, worker-on-worker violence, and personal relationship violence. These categories cover a range of violent acts from threats and verbal abuse to physical assault and even homicide. Recognizing early warning signs is essential for prevention and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Categories of Workplace Violence According to NIOSH
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recognizes four categories of workplace violence, which can occur in various work environments. These categories help in understanding the different natures of violent incidents and formulating appropriate prevention strategies. Here are the categories identified by NIOSH:
Violence by outsiders or intruders, which includes crime-related violence such as robbery or trespassing by individuals with no legitimate relationship to the workplace.
Client-on-worker violence, occurring when someone who is being served by the business, such as a client, patient, customer, or student, becomes violent.
Worker-on-worker violence, whereby an employee or past employee of the workplace attacks or threatens another employee.
Personal relationship violence, which involves an assailant who does not work there but has a personal relationship with an employee, like domestic violence spillover into the workplace.
Workplace violence can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide, making it a significant concern for occupational safety and health. Early recognition of warning signs–such as intimidation, threats, equipment sabotage, and behavior changes–is crucial in preventing escalation. Understanding the dynamics and potential indicators of workplace violence allows for critical interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of employees.