Introduction

In 2011, ASIS International and the Society of Human Resource Management completed a yearlong endeavor and produced a document, based on the American National Standard model, entitled Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention. Workplace violence is a recognized risk and occupational hazard in some occupations; however, in most other occupations, it is often an unexpected hazard. Occupational Safety and Health Administration / National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health workplace typology classifies workplace violence incidents according to the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim or target, and to the organization. This typology incorporates four categories or types of workplace violence: criminal intent, customer/client/patients, co-worker, and personal. The foundation for preventing violence at work is to identify problems and to have a system in place to respond.