Workplace violence prevention training

Built by a cop who is also an SPHR

Kevin Macho has spent more than 25 years in law enforcement since 1994, responding to the calls that start as "he's been acting strange lately." He also holds the SPHR certification and a Master of Arts in Management, so he understands the HR, legal and leadership decisions that come before and after an incident. This training connects both sides.

The four types of workplace violence

Cal/OSHA and many safety programs group workplace violence into four types. A good prevention program addresses all four, not just the one in the headlines:

• Type 1: violence by someone with no legitimate business at the worksite, such as a robbery.
• Type 2: violence by customers, clients, patients, students or visitors.
• Type 3: violence by a current or former employee, supervisor or manager.
• Type 4: violence by someone who has a personal relationship with an employee, such as domestic violence that follows someone to work.

What your people learn

• Warning signs and concerning behavior, and why "I didn't want to get anyone in trouble" is so dangerous.
• How and where to report threats and incidents, and the employer's duty to protect people who report from retaliation.
• De-escalation and strategies to avoid physical harm with angry customers, patients and coworkers.
• What to do if violence starts, including active-threat preparedness beyond Run, Hide, Fight.
• For managers and HR: threat response, safer terminations, protective orders, documentation and support after an incident.

The legal backdrop

There is no single federal OSHA workplace violence standard for most industries, but federal OSHA has cited employers for recognized workplace violence hazards under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission upheld that approach in Secretary of Labor v. Integra Health Management, Inc. (2019).

California goes further. Since July 1, 2024, Labor Code §6401.9 (SB 553) has required most California employers to keep a written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and train employees annually. See California SB 553 training. Health care employers face added rules; see healthcare programs.

This program is educational and is not legal advice. Laws change, and your organization remains responsible for its own compliance. Talk with your employment counsel about questions specific to your workplace.

Your trainer: Kevin Macho, SPHR, MAM

• 25+ years in law enforcement since 1994, and the Police Medal for courage in the line of duty (Portland Police Bureau)
• Ranked #3 of 300+ trainers at the largest seminar company in the United States, and Rookie Trainer of the Year (2018)
• SPHR certification and a Master of Arts in Management
• Verbal Judo instructor trained by founder George Thompson
• Live programs in 38 states