The Gut Feeling You Shouldn’t Ignore
You know that feeling when you walk into the breakroom and the air just feels heavy. Maybe a normally quiet employee is suddenly snapping at coworkers, or someone is making “jokes” that feel a little too pointed and aggressive. Your gut tells you something is off, but you don’t want to be the person who overreacts. So you go back to your desk and hope it was just a bad morning.
Here is the thing… workplace violence rarely happens out of the blue. There is almost always a trail of breadcrumbs leading up to it. In the safety world, we call these Workplace Violence Warning Signs. Recognizing them isn’t about being paranoid… it is about being a professional who looks out for their team.
At Safety Is A Mindset, we have spent years training people in active shooter safety training and violence response. We have learned that the best way to handle a crisis is to stop it from becoming one in the first place. Let’s dive into what you should actually be looking for and how to handle it when you see it.
Why We Miss the Red Flags
Most people think workplace violence is just about an “angry person with a weapon.” But it starts way before that. It starts with a behavior change. The problem is that we are conditioned to mind our own business. We tell ourselves that maybe they are just stressed about a project or having trouble at home.
But silence is not a safety strategy. When we ignore these signs, we are essentially leaving a slow-burning fuse alone and hoping it will go out on its own. Misconceptions also play a big role… many people believe that if someone hasn’t made a direct threat, they aren’t dangerous. Honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of the most dangerous individuals are those who withdraw entirely or show obsessive interest in past workplace tragedies.
Decoding the Behavioral Shifts
When we look at threat assessment, we look for clusters of behavior. One bad day is a bad day. A pattern is a problem.
First, look for an escalation in agitation. This isn’t just someone being grumpy… it is a person who is increasingly argumentative with supervisors or coworkers. They might start blaming others for every mistake they make. They become a “victim” in every scenario.
Second, watch for signs of a personal crisis. This could be substance abuse, financial desperation, or a sudden obsession with weapons. If an employee who never talked about guns suddenly starts bringing them up in every conversation, that is a shift worth noting.
Third, pay attention to leakage. This is when a person tells a third party about their desire to hurt someone or their plans for revenge. It might be a comment like… everyone will be sorry soon… or… they’ll get what’s coming to them. We see this often when we conduct onsite safety training services… people recall these comments only after something has happened.
Actionable Steps for a Safer Workplace
- Establish a clear reporting line: Employees need to know exactly who to tell if they are worried… and they need to know it will stay confidential.
- Train your supervisors: They are on the front lines. They need to know how to have a de-escalation conversation before a situation boils over.
- Conduct regular audits: Look at your physical security but also your cultural security. Are people afraid to speak up.
- Implement a threat assessment team: This should include HR, security, and management to review any concerning behavior.
- Promote mental health resources: Sometimes the best violence prevention is just getting someone the help they need before they break.
- Document everything: If you see a warning sign, write it down. Dates, times, and exactly what was said or done.
- Review your location protocol: Make sure everyone knows the plan for your specific site, whether you are at 109 Swearingen Beach, East Tawakoni, TX 75472 or a remote office.
- Practice the “what ifs”: Use your team meetings to talk through scenarios. What would we do if a former employee showed up acting aggressively.
Safety is a Lasting Mindset
At the end of the day, your team is your most important asset. Protecting them from Workplace Violence Warning Signs is a heavy responsibility, but you don’t have to carry it alone.
Our mission at Safety Is A Mindset is to transform organizations through hands-on training that sticks. We believe that when you empower people with knowledge, you replace fear with confidence. Whether it is through AVIRT or certified CPR training, we help you build a culture that is ready for anything.
Don’t wait for the fuse to reach the end. Start looking for the breadcrumbs today.
Contact Us: Safety Is A Mindset 109 Swearingen Beach, East Tawakoni, TX 75472 Phone: (870) 532-8278 Email: info@safetyisamindset.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am wrong and they are just having a hard time It is better to have a supportive conversation that wasn’t needed than to ignore a threat that was real. You can approach it from a place of concern for their well-being rather than an accusation.
Does OSHA have rules for this Yes, under the General Duty Clause, employers have a legal obligation to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, and that includes workplace violence. Keeping up with OSHA 10 training helps lay the groundwork for these policies.
What is the most common sign people miss Social withdrawal. We notice the loud, angry person, but we often miss the person who has gone completely silent and started checking out from their social connections at work.
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