Intuitive Safety Solutions

Preventing Violence in the Workplace
Written By: Brent Knight, CSP

Preventing violence in the workplace isn’t just about reacting to extreme situations; it’s about building an environment where risks are recognized early, tensions are managed constructively, and people feel safe speaking up. Most incidents don’t come out of nowhere; they are often the result of unresolved conflict, stress, or warning signs that went unnoticed or unaddressed.

A strong prevention strategy starts with culture. Workplaces that promote respect, inclusion, and psychological safety are far less likely to experience violence. When employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to raise concerns before they escalate. Leaders play a critical role here; modeling calm, fair behavior and addressing issues consistently sends a clear message about what is acceptable.

Clear policies are another essential layer. Organizations should have well-defined guidelines around workplace behavior, harassment, and threats, along with transparent reporting procedures. Employees need to know not only what crosses the line, but also what to do if they feel unsafe. Just as important, those reports must be taken seriously and handled promptly.

Training can make a measurable difference. Employees and managers should be equipped to recognize early warning signs such as sudden changes in behavior, verbal aggression, withdrawal, or fixation on grievances. Training in the escalation techniques like active listening, maintaining non-threatening body language, and setting boundaries can help diffuse tense situations before they intensify.

Another key factor is addressing stress and mental health. High workloads, job insecurity, or toxic dynamics can create pressure that contributes to volatile situations. Providing access to employee assistance programs, encouraging time off, and fostering open conversations about well-being can reduce that pressure.

Finally, prevention depends on shared responsibility. Employees should feel empowered to report concerns, managers should act on them, and leadership should continuously evaluate and improve systems. Regularly reviewing incidents, even minor ones, can reveal patterns and opportunities for improvement.

Workplace violence prevention isn’t about creating fear; it’s about creating awareness and trust. By combining clear policies, strong leadership, practical training, and a supportive culture, organizations can significantly reduce risk and ensure that safety remains a fundamental part of everyday work life.

🚧 We’re Hiring: Construction Safety Representatives — Owner’s Rep Roles 🚧

ISS is hiring Construction Safety Professionals to support large-scale data center construction projects across multiple U.S. locations.

These roles are ideal for safety professionals who are strong communicators, detail-oriented, relationship-driven, and comfortable working in fast-paced construction environments. You’ll support site observations, documentation, reporting, follow-up, and collaboration with project teams.

📍 Current hiring locations:
Hamlet, NC
Berwick, PA
Arlington County, VA
Columbus, OH
Jackson, MS
Manassas, VA

✅ 5+ years of construction, industrial, or technology-related safety experience
✅ Strong documentation and reporting skills
✅ Experience working with contractors, owners, and project leadership teams
✅ CHST, CSP, Owner’s Rep, and Procore experience are a plus

Interested in learning more or applying?
🔗 Apply through ISS LinkedIn Jobs:
https://ow.ly/Umal50Z6ViJ

Great conversations build great safety cultures. 👷‍♂️💬

While on a project in Colorado City, TX, Jose Hernandez Jr., Safety Consultant with Intuitive Safety Solutions (ISS), connected with Rudy Carney after an insightful trenching and excavation safety discussion.

Rudy shared the importance of working safely and helping pass a strong safety culture along to the next generation.

That is safety leadership in action. 💪🚧

Safety 2026 is right around the corner, and the Intuitive Safety Solutions (ISS) team is looking forward to connecting in Anaheim!

Dale Goss, MBA, MPH, CSP, Director of Client Experience, and Xavier Alcaraz, MSPH, CIH, CSP, Director of Strategic Initiatives, will be attending the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Safety 2026 Conference & Expo from June 15 to 17.

Events like Safety 2026 are a great opportunity to share ideas, strengthen industry relationships, and have meaningful conversations about what is next in workplace safety. If you are attending, be sure to connect with Dale and Xavier during the event.

Will you be in Anaheim for Safety 2026? Drop a comment below or send Dale or Xavier a direct message on LinkedIn to let them know you will be there.

Safety conversations matter, especially when they are honest, practical, and rooted in real-world experience.

The Safety Untamed Podcast is creating a space for workers, leaders, and safety professionals to talk openly about the challenges, lessons, and responsibilities that come with keeping people safe. These are the kinds of conversations that move the industry forward and remind us why this work matters.

We appreciate the shoutout to Intuitive Safety Solutions (ISS) and are grateful to be part of a community that continues to raise the bar for safety.

Check out the episode here:
https://ow.ly/BBhx50Z5lRq

📸🔥 ISS Selfie Challenge Spotlight on Steven Davis!

Steven Davis is representing the ISS Selfie Challenge from the laydown yard at the Apex Clean Energy wind project, snapping his selfie in front of the cement batch plant and proudly rocking the ISS Trucker Hat 🧢⚡

For this challenge, ISS made a contribution on Steve’s behalf to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, supporting their incredible mission of advancing treatments and fighting childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases ❤️

👉 Want to help make an even bigger impact? Support St. Jude here: https://www.stjude.org/
Outside of work, Steve enjoys riding his motorcycle 🏍️, and a fun fact, he speaks two languages fluently 🌎👏

This challenge is about more than selfies. It’s about people, purpose, and giving back to causes that matter. Every share helps spread awareness and support for these amazing organizations.

👏 Share this post, tag a friend, spread the word, and help us keep the ISS Selfie Challenge rolling strong!