Workplace Violence Prevention: How Security Guards Can Identify Warning Signs

Security guards can provide better workplace violence prevention with tailored solutions and by being properly aware of their sites with mobile patrol and using the proper strategies.

Key Takeaways

• It does not discriminate between industries, and early detection is considered the best strategy in preventing it.
• Security guards play a crucial role in identifying warning signs before they become threats.
• Behavioral, verbal, and environmental cues frequently occur hours, days, or even weeks before a violent incident.
• Modern tools like incident reporting software for security companies and real-time GPS monitoring can better prevent workplace violence.
• Employers should support guards with training, policies, technology, and open lines of communication.

What is Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical harm, harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behavior occurring at the worksite. It includes:

• Physical attacks
• Threats, spoken or written
• Aggressive gestures
• Harassment or intimidation
• Property Damage
• Domestic disputes spill into the workplace

Workplace violence is considered among the top causes of fatal injury in various industries by major safety agencies. The reality is this: There were 5,283 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2023, a 3.7-percent decrease from 5,486 in 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Most incidents do not begin with sudden aggression. They escalate gradually, showing measurable warning signs en route. For this reason, among many, workplace violence prevention is no longer an option but an obligation to provide a safe environment that protects employees, visitors, and assets. Security guards are often the first layer of defense. Their capacity to identify early red flags directly impacts how quickly violence can be prevented.

What are the early warning signs of workplace violence?

Knowing the early warning signs helps guards to intervene before an incident escalates. Employers often ask the question, “how guards can identify warning signs early?” because they need to be prepared. These signs typically fall into one of three categories: behavioral, verbal, and situational.

1. Behavioral Warning Signs

These often appear subtly, yet they signal rising frustration or emotional instability.

• Unusual anger, agitation, or irritability
• Withdrawing from coworkers or social interactions
• Excessive sweating, pacing, or shaking
• Abrupt changes in attendance or performance
• Preoccupation with past hurts
• Paranoia: (“Everyone is against me”)
• Staring aggressively at people
• Overreacting to minor issues

A change in behavior may reflect increased tension or a possible aggressive attitude.

2. Verbal Warning Signs

People often express frustration prior to acting on it:

• Verbal threats against colleagues, customers, or management
• Talking about past violent incidents
• Complaints of personal injustice: “I’ll make them regret it.”
• Jokes about harming others
• Hopelessness - “I have nothing left to lose”
• Warning others to stay away

Guards should consider verbal threats seriously, even if the person “appears harmless.”

3. Situational & Environmental Warning Signs

• Risk factors that relate to the job role or workplace environment include
• High-stress work conditions
• Recent lay-offs or demotions
• History of conflict between employees
• Domestic abuse situations involving an employee
• Access to unsecured entry points
• Poor lighting or lack of supervision

When part of a constellation of behavioral or verbal warning signs, situational factors significantly elevate the risk of violence.

How Can Security Guards Prevent Workplace Violence: 10 Tips That Work

Because security guards have unique visibility into daily activity, their role is highly relevant in how to prevent workplace violence. The following are some effective strategies guards can use immediately:

1. Remain observant and scan for warning signs

Use the early warning indicators listed above to identify suspicious behavior. Guards should notice:

• Tone of voice
• Body Language
• Changes to routine
• Tense interactions among employees
• The best prevention is usually simple awareness.

2. Build Rapport With Employees

Guards who greet employees daily are more likely to notice changes in

• Mood
• Appearance
• Behavioral patterns

This creates opportunities for early intervention and building trust.

3. Address Conflicts Early

If guards observe disagreements or increased arguing between prisoners:

• Approach calmly
• Separate individuals
• Convey the need for safety
• Report the problem immediately

Small conflicts, if neglected, can spiral very fast.

4. Utilize Incident Reporting Software for Security Companies

Digital reporting tools make documentation fast, accurate, and reliable. Guards can, with the use of software like Novagems:

• Create detailed reports
• Add photos or videos
• Timestamp incidents
• Capture GPS location
• Inform supervisors immediately

Documenting early signs provides employers with factual evidence to take action before situations deteriorate.

5. Monitoring High-Risk Zones

Certain areas that require more attention include:

• Parking lots
• Loading docks
• Isolated hallways
• Entry and exit points
• Regular patrols deter would-be criminals.

6. Implement Access Control

Violent confrontations can arise from unauthorized access. Guards should:

• Check IDs
• Monitoring visitor logs
• Lock restricted areas
• Track the repeated attempts to enter secure spaces

A solid access control routine reduces exposure to risk.

7. Utilize Technology to Increase Visibility

Tools like security guard management software for violence prevention that have:

• GPS tracking
• Geofencing
• Real-time alerts
• Patrol Tour Checkpoints

This helps security teams respond faster to threats and maintain accountability.

8. Remain calm and use de-escalation techniques

When confronted with aggressive behavior, guards should:

• Keep the tone neutral.
• Keep a safe distance
• Avoid sudden movements.
• Listen actively
• Offer alternatives

De-escalation averts numerous violent results.

9. Communicate Changes Quickly

Guards shall report:

• Behavioural changes
• Potential threats
• Patterns of Aggression

Open communication among guards, supervisors, and management helps in prevention.

10. Know When to Ask for Backup

When a situation becomes unsafe, the guards should:

• Follow escalation procedures
• alert supervisors
• Request law enforcement when necessary
• Early support decreases harm and prevents escalation.

The Employer’s Role in Addressing Workplace Violence

Workplace violence prevention is a joint responsibility. Employers must set an environment that allows guards to work effectively.

1. Create Clear Policies on Workplace Violence

Policies should explain:

• Zero-tolerance policies
• Reporting expectations
• Threat Escalation Procedures
• Disciplinary actions

Every employee should be aware of the guidelines.

2. Training and Refresher Courses

• Regular training enables the staff to identify:
• Warning signs
• How to report threats
• De-escalation Techniques
• Emergency Response Actions

Well-trained teams respond best under pressure.

3. Promote a Speak-up Culture

Often, employees know that there are problems before the guards do. Employers should:

• Offer anonymous reporting avenues
• Respond promptly to concerns
• Reward Proactive Behaviour

It ignores possible threats, making prevention impossible.

4. Support Mental Health

Providing access to:

• Counseling
• stress management programs
• Workplace Wellness Resources
• It can reduce incidents significantly.

5. Equip Security Teams with Proper Tools

This includes:

• Surveillance systems
• Radios
• Access control panels
• Security guard management software for violence prevention

Technology bridges this gap between detection and response.

How Novagems helps security teams prevent workplace violence.

Novagems is designed to enhance workplace safety by offering security teams real-time visibility, communication, and documentation tools. Here’s how it supports violence prevention:

1. Real-time incident reporting

Guards can submit:

• Notes
• Photos
• Videos
• Audio clips

With time and GPS stamps, this ensures accurate, immediate records of early warning signs.

2. Live GPS Tracking

Supervisors can track guard movement and ensure that

• High-risk zones are patrolled
• Guards are safe
• Patrol routes cover vulnerable areas.

This reduces blind spots, thus strengthening proactive security.

3. Patrol Tours With NFC/QR Checkpoints

This feature ensures that guards clear every area, even the secluded ones prone to violence. Missed checkpoints raise an alert.

4. Lone Worker & Panic Button Support

If a guard encounters an aggressive individual, he or she can immediately:

• Send a Mayday call
• share their GPS location
• Request backup

This rapid communication reduces response time during threats.

5. Task Management

• Supervisors can delegate:
• Risk-specific patrol instructions
• Emergency procedures
• Conflict de-escalation tasks

Clear instructions avoid confusion, especially at tense moments.

6. License & Certification Tracking

Novagems automatically tracks:

• Guard licenses
• Violence-prevention training
• Expiration dates

This ensures that all guards are trained and compliant. Together, these tools turn workplace violence prevention from reactive to proactive and data-driven.

FAQ

What are the early warnings of workplace violence?

These are early signs: agitation, verbal threats, withdrawal, aggressive gestures, excessive stress, paranoia, and a sudden change in behavior. These should be documented and immediately reported by the guards.

How do security guards prevent workplace violence?

Some ways that guards can prevent violence include behavior observation, regular patrols, incident reporting software, enforcing access control, and de-escalation techniques.

What should a company do to reduce workplace threats?

Employers should establish rigorous policies on preventing violence, train employees, provide mental health support, encourage early reporting, and equip guards with technology.

What training should guards obtain concerning violence prevention?

The training for guards should cover:

1. Identifying Warning Signs
2. Conflict Resolution
3. De-escalation
4. Emergency response
5. Communication procedures
6. Reporting software and tools

Conclusion

Workplace violence can occur anywhere, but it is preventable if guards, employers, and technology all work together. With early recognition of warning signs, proper documentation of incidents, and effective communication, intervention by security teams can occur before minor conflicts escalate into major threats. Novagems can be used as security guard management software for violence prevention. Because it provides the tools that businesses need to protect their workforce, creating safer environments for all.