Huddle script
Today, let's consider a threatening visitor at reception. Workplace violence includes threats and verbal abuse as well as physical assaults, and can involve employees, clients, customers or visitors. OSHA reports that 740 of 5,283 fatal workplace injuries in the United States in 2023 were due to violent acts; this figure covers all occupations, not just offices. Working alone or in an isolated area may increase risk at some worksites. Let's assess our own reception area and agree on how to report and respond to threatening behavior. [OSHA, Workplace Violence: Overview]
Adaptable discussion and controls
Use these as planning prompts, adapted to your workplace. OSHA recommends assessing the worksite, combining a prevention program with engineering and administrative controls and training, and ensuring workers know the policy and how to respond. For control selection, OSHA puts engineering solutions, including elimination or substitution, first, followed by safe work practices, administrative controls and PPE. Consider feasible options with workers and avoid introducing new hazards. [OSHA, Workplace Violence: Overview; OSHA, Safety Management: Hazard Prevention and Control]
- Where might someone work alone or in an isolated reception area? What changes could reduce exposure, and what help would be available?
- How should a worker report a threat or get help? Confirm the site's stop-work and no-retaliation procedures, including whom to contact, rather than assuming them.
- What response training or practice would help workers recognize warning signs and know what to do?
Plan and follow through
- Review reception risks with workers, including periods of isolated or lone work. Owner: Team-assigned lead Due: Date agreed at the huddle
- Confirm reporting, response, stop-work and no-retaliation procedures with the appropriate site contact. Owner: Team-assigned lead Due: Date agreed at the huddle
- Choose a feasible improvement and plan how to verify it works. Owner: Team-assigned lead Due: Date agreed at the huddle
Planning prompt: Who can implement the selected improvement, and by what date? Agree on how to track progress and verify the control after implementation. [OSHA, Safety Management: Hazard Prevention and Control]
Close the loop: When will we tell the team what was decided and what remains open? Verification question: After the change, how will workers confirm that it is in place and working?
Comprehension check
Comprehension check: Does workplace violence include threats and verbal abuse? Yes, workplace violence includes threats and verbal abuse as well as physical assaults.
Sources
- Workplace Violence: Overview — OSHA. Accessed 2026-10-28. osha.gov
- Safety Management: Hazard Prevention and Control — OSHA. Accessed 2026-10-28. osha.gov