Which scenario is most indicative of an early warning sign of potential workplace violence?

Which scenario is most indicative of an early warning sign of potential workplace violence?

• A. A coworker escalates anger after a minor disagreement.
• B. A coworker requests a new badge for access.
• C. A coworker volunteers to organize a team event.
• D. A coworker consistently arrives on time and completes tasks.

Answer: (A)

Early warning signs of potential workplace violence often show as escalating anger or aggression following even minor conflicts. When someone reacts with increasing anger after a small disagreement, it signals a loss of impulse control and a growing propensity toward violent behavior if not addressed. This pattern is a warning cue that prompts intervention—such as de-escalation, documenting concerns, and engaging supervisors or security as needed—to prevent a harmful outcome. The other scenarios do not indicate a violence risk on their own. A request for a new badge is a routine security measure, not a marker of violent intent. Volunteering to organize a team event reflects positive engagement and teamwork. Consistently arriving on time and completing tasks demonstrates reliability.

Early warning signs of potential workplace violence often show as escalating anger or aggression following even minor conflicts. When someone reacts with increasing anger after a small disagreement, it signals a loss of impulse control and a growing propensity toward violent behavior if not addressed. This pattern is a warning cue that prompts intervention—such as de-escalation, documenting concerns, and engaging supervisors or security as needed—to prevent a harmful outcome.

The other scenarios do not indicate a violence risk on their own. A request for a new badge is a routine security measure, not a marker of violent intent. Volunteering to organize a team event reflects positive engagement and teamwork. Consistently arriving on time and completing tasks demonstrates reliability.