How Can Workplace Violence Be Prevented?

HSE guidance identifies three broad categories of control measure for preventing workplace violence: the design of the workplace, how the work itself is organised, and training. In practice, most organisations combine all three, but training is the one that gives staff the practical skills to actually respond in the moment.

HSE recommends training that is proportionate to the level of risk identified in a workplace risk assessment. Basic training covers recognising the causes and early warning signs of conflict, using calm and structured communication, and following clear incident-reporting procedures. Where there is a serious risk of physical aggression, HSE recommends additional training, such as conflict management training that also builds personal safety and breakaway skills.

De-escalation itself follows a recognisable pattern too. Understanding the seven stages a conflict typically moves through helps staff step in earlier, before a situation reaches its peak. Refresher training should be reviewed regularly to keep skills current.