Workplace violence can cause both physical and psychological harm to employees, making it a serious health and safety risk. Employers can help protect their workers by establishing a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence.
These policies help prevent the physical and mental impacts of workplace violence by ensuring that employees feel safe and secure in their work environment. Beyond enacting these policies, employers also need to provide their employees with information and resources to help them respond effectively during an incident of violence.
In 2024, South Carolina passed H3594, providing for the permitless carrying of firearms. Workplace violence prevention policies need to be updated to reflect the new reality established by this law. While the law prohibits firearms in some areas owned by a municipality, there may be some public places where qualified individuals may legally carry concealed weapons, whether concealed or openly carried. Employers may have limited authority to regulate or prohibit this behavior, unless specifically outlined in policy or by the state regulation.
Municipalities have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of their employees, residents and guests. Failure to adapt to changing laws can expose public entities to significant risks, both in terms of employee safety and legal liability. City or town officials who have not recently reviewed and updated their workplace violence policy should consider making it a priority.
The Municipal Association of SC Risk Management Services encourages its SC Municipal Insurance Trust and SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund members to have their municipal attorney or outside counsel complete a legal review of the policy before implementation.
For questions about workplace violence policies, contact Bethany Pendley, loss control manager, at 803 933.1210 or bpendley@masc.sc.