Workplace Violence Awareness Month: Strengthening Safety Through Awareness and Action

Workplace Violence Awareness Month highlights the critical importance of recognizing, preventing, and responding to violence in the workplace. It reinforces our shared responsibility to create and maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all employees.

At UC Davis, we are committed to fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and resilience. Throughout the month, the Workplace Violence Prevention Department will offer opportunities for staff to engage in targeted training, education, and meaningful discussions. In addition, we are sharing practical, real-world safety strategies that employees can immediately apply in their daily work environments.

Situational Awareness: Stay Present and Prepared

Situational awareness is one of the most effective tools for prevention. Being observant and intentional in your environment can significantly reduce risk.

• Keep your head on a swivel and always remain aware of your surroundings 
• Pay attention to others’ behaviors and changes in demeanor 
• Always have an exit strategy in mind 
• Assess your environment: Are there barriers to reaching an alarm or emergency response? 
• Identify potential hazards: Are there objects nearby that could be used as weapons? 

Be Alert: Proactively Assess Risk

Entering any interaction with awareness helps you stay in control and better influence outcomes.

• Evaluate each situation for potential risk when entering a room or initiating communication 
• Conduct a quick self-assessment: Are you prepared to guide this interaction toward a positive outcome? 
• Avoid isolating yourself with someone who may become aggressive 
• Maintain a clear path to exit and never allow someone to block your way out 

Recognize Pre-Assault Behaviors: Early Warning Signs Matter

Identifying early indicators of escalation can help you act before a situation intensifies.

• Body Language: Tense or exaggerated movements, clenched fists, glaring, invasion of personal space 
• Posture: Rigid or aggressive stance signaling rising anger or hostility 
• Gestures: Sudden, sweeping, or aggressive movements 
• Facial Expressions: Furrowed brows, curled lips, or snarling 
• Nervous Behaviors: Repetitive grooming, fidgeting, or pacing 

Respond Effectively: Influence the Outcome

Your response can play a key role in de-escalating a situation and maintaining safety.

• Remain calm and composed 
• Be conscious of your actions, tone, verbal and non-verbal communication and avoid being the cause of escalation. 
• Stay vigilant and continuously reassess the situation 
• Use de-escalation techniques to guide the interaction toward a positive outcome 
• Recognize your limits and when a situation escalates beyond control, disengage and seek support 

By staying aware, recognizing warning signs early, and responding effectively, each of us contributes to a safer workplace. Workplace Violence Awareness month is something that should not be highlighted once a year, it’s a daily practice that protects our people, our patients, and our community.