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Workplace Violence Prevention Quiz

11 – 40 Questions 10 min

This OSHA-focused workplace violence prevention quiz zeroes in on risk factors, early warning behaviors, and the four OSHA violence types that drive control choices. Use it to pressure test your de-escalation responses, reporting thresholds, and documentation habits so your decisions line up with OSHA guidance and real-world incident patterns.

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Part 1 — Questions

Answer each question on paper. Do not turn the page until you are ready to check your work.

Which option best matches OSHA's general description of workplace violence?

Any disagreement between coworkers about workload
Threatening, attempting, or using physical force at work
Only incidents involving firearms at work
Any violation of company rules, even if peaceful

OSHA currently has a single, comprehensive standard that specifically regulates workplace violence for all industries.

True
False

A masked person with no connection to your business enters after hours and demands cash at gunpoint. Under OSHA's types of workplace violence, how is this primarily classified?

Personal relationship (Type 4)
Worker-on-worker (Type 3)
Criminal intent (Type 1)
Customer or client (Type 2)

At a staff meeting, a coworker slams a laptop shut and says, "One of these days I am going to make you all pay" while glaring around the room. What is the most appropriate response under a workplace violence prevention program?

Report it as a credible threat or concerning pattern through the company's process
Ignore it unless a physical assault actually occurs
Confront the coworker alone after the meeting and demand an apology without reporting
Post about it on social media to warn people in other departments

Which situation is a commonly recognized risk factor for workplace violence in OSHA and NIOSH guidance?

Taking scheduled meal breaks
Sharing office equipment
Using email for most communication
Working alone late at night with cash on hand

Under OSHA guidance, only physical contact such as punching or shoving is considered workplace violence.

True
False

A near miss where an angry visitor threatened to "come back with a weapon" should be reported in the workplace violence system even if they left without harming anyone.

True
False

An employee's ex-partner repeatedly comes to reception, waits in the parking lot, and has threatened them. The ex is not a customer or employee. How should this case be classified under OSHA's workplace violence types?

Personal relationship (Type 4)
Customer or client (Type 2)
Worker-on-worker (Type 3)
Criminal intent (Type 1)

A convenience store clerk often works alone on late shifts and has had several encounters with intoxicated customers yelling and pounding the counter. Management wants to reduce risk, not just add training. Which action is the strongest control to put in place first?

Tell the clerk to refuse service anytime they feel uncomfortable
Increase staffing or add a buddy rule on high-risk late shifts
Post a sign telling customers they are being recorded by cameras
Send the clerk to an online de-escalation course without other changes

10.

A customer is shouting about a billing error and leaning over the counter. You have space to move and they are not yet making threats. Which response best uses de-escalation techniques?

"I want to help. Let's step over here where it is quieter and talk one thing at a time."
"You are overreacting, calm down right now."
"You need to lower your voice so I can explain why you are wrong."
"If you do not stop yelling, I will have you removed."

11.

In a hospital, a visitor shouts at a nurse about wait times, then swings a fist and has to be restrained by security. How should this event be classified under OSHA's workplace violence types?

Personal relationship (Type 4)
Customer or client (Type 2)
Criminal intent (Type 1)
Worker-on-worker (Type 3)

12.

Which statement best describes OSHA's expectation for employers regarding workplace violence hazards?

OSHA treats workplace violence solely as a law enforcement issue, not a safety topic
OSHA requires employers to hire armed security guards for any public-facing facility
OSHA expects employers to identify workplace violence as a recognized hazard and apply feasible controls under the general duty clause
OSHA only expects employers to act after a fatal workplace violence incident has occurred

13.

Effective de-escalation usually involves standing very close to the person to show concern and positioning yourself between them and the exit.

True
False

14.

Threats, stalking, or harassment that occur mainly outside the building can still matter for workplace violence prevention if there is a realistic chance they will spill over to the job site.

True
False

15.

Front desk staff at a behavioral health clinic report that agitated clients sometimes step behind the counter to yell at them, and there is an open walkway into staff offices. Management wants the first step to be a control that clearly reduces exposure. What is the best initial action?

Require front desk staff to attend a quarterly mindfulness seminar
Add language to the patient handbook asking clients to respect boundaries
Install a counter-height barrier and a secured staff-only door behind reception
Post a zero-tolerance statement in the lobby with no other changes

16.

You are asked to document an incident where a visitor pounded on the counter and threatened a receptionist. Which note best supports follow-up by a supervisor or threat assessment team?

"Client was rude and scary."
"At 3:15 pm in Lobby A, client Jones stood within one foot of clerk Smith, shouted 'I will come back and hurt you,' and pounded the counter with a fist in front of three waiting clients."
"Incident happened like usual at end of shift."
"Customer got aggressive again."

17.

Arrange the following actions in the best-practice order when responding to a serious workplace violence threat that has just occurred and has now been stabilized.

Put these in the correct order (write 1–5 beside each):

____Contact emergency responders or internal security resources as needed
____Create physical distance and move nearby people to a safer area
____Document the incident with specific behaviors, quotes, time, and witnesses
____Review the event to update controls, procedures, and training
____Notify the designated supervisor or threat management team about the incident

18.

An employee reports that a former intimate partner with a history of violence has been seen loitering near the workplace entrance and has violated a restraining order. Leadership wants a response that goes beyond support to the employee and addresses broader risk to the site. What is the most appropriate action plan?

Coordinate with security and local law enforcement, share a photo under policy, adjust parking and escorts, and flag the ex in visitor or access systems
Assign the case to HR only and wait to act until the ex appears inside
Suggest the employee speak directly with the ex to try to clear the air
Tell the employee to work from home whenever worried and not involve others

19.

Your organization is updating controls for a small clinic where front desk staff often deal with agitated patients and handle cash for copays. Select all that apply. Which of the following are examples of engineering or administrative controls that directly reduce exposure to workplace violence risk in this setting?

A.Rely only on annual active shooter training for all staff
B.Schedule at least two staff members on identified high-risk late shifts
C.Improve exterior lighting and clear sightlines around entrances
D.Encourage staff to carry personal weapons to deter robbers
E.Install time-delay safes and keep minimal cash in registers

Part 2 — Answer key

Compare your answers after you have finished Part 1.

Which option best matches OSHA's general description of workplace violence?
Threatening, attempting, or using physical force at work
OSHA currently has a single, comprehensive standard that specifically regulates workplace violence for all industries.
False
A masked person with no connection to your business enters after hours and demands cash at gunpoint. Under OSHA's types of workplace violence, how is this primarily classified?
Criminal intent (Type 1)
At a staff meeting, a coworker slams a laptop shut and says, "One of these days I am going to make you all pay" while glaring around the room. What is the most appropriate response under a workplace violence prevention program?
Report it as a credible threat or concerning pattern through the company's process
Which situation is a commonly recognized risk factor for workplace violence in OSHA and NIOSH guidance?
Working alone late at night with cash on hand
Under OSHA guidance, only physical contact such as punching or shoving is considered workplace violence.
False
A near miss where an angry visitor threatened to "come back with a weapon" should be reported in the workplace violence system even if they left without harming anyone.
True
An employee's ex-partner repeatedly comes to reception, waits in the parking lot, and has threatened them. The ex is not a customer or employee. How should this case be classified under OSHA's workplace violence types?
Personal relationship (Type 4)
A convenience store clerk often works alone on late shifts and has had several encounters with intoxicated customers yelling and pounding the counter. Management wants to reduce risk, not just add training. Which action is the strongest control to put in place first?
Increase staffing or add a buddy rule on high-risk late shifts
A customer is shouting about a billing error and leaning over the counter. You have space to move and they are not yet making threats. Which response best uses de-escalation techniques?
"I want to help. Let's step over here where it is quieter and talk one thing at a time."
In a hospital, a visitor shouts at a nurse about wait times, then swings a fist and has to be restrained by security. How should this event be classified under OSHA's workplace violence types?
Customer or client (Type 2)
Which statement best describes OSHA's expectation for employers regarding workplace violence hazards?
OSHA expects employers to identify workplace violence as a recognized hazard and apply feasible controls under the general duty clause
Effective de-escalation usually involves standing very close to the person to show concern and positioning yourself between them and the exit.
False
Threats, stalking, or harassment that occur mainly outside the building can still matter for workplace violence prevention if there is a realistic chance they will spill over to the job site.
True
Front desk staff at a behavioral health clinic report that agitated clients sometimes step behind the counter to yell at them, and there is an open walkway into staff offices. Management wants the first step to be a control that clearly reduces exposure. What is the best initial action?
Install a counter-height barrier and a secured staff-only door behind reception
You are asked to document an incident where a visitor pounded on the counter and threatened a receptionist. Which note best supports follow-up by a supervisor or threat assessment team?
"At 3:15 pm in Lobby A, client Jones stood within one foot of clerk Smith, shouted 'I will come back and hurt you,' and pounded the counter with a fist in front of three waiting clients."
Arrange the following actions in the best-practice order when responding to a serious workplace violence threat that has just occurred and has now been stabilized.
Correct order: Create physical distance and move nearby people to a safer area → Contact emergency responders or internal security resources as needed → Notify the designated supervisor or threat management team about the incident → Document the incident with specific behaviors, quotes, time, and witnesses → Review the event to update controls, procedures, and training
An employee reports that a former intimate partner with a history of violence has been seen loitering near the workplace entrance and has violated a restraining order. Leadership wants a response that goes beyond support to the employee and addresses broader risk to the site. What is the most appropriate action plan?
Coordinate with security and local law enforcement, share a photo under policy, adjust parking and escorts, and flag the ex in visitor or access systems
Your organization is updating controls for a small clinic where front desk staff often deal with agitated patients and handle cash for copays. Select all that apply. Which of the following are examples of engineering or administrative controls that directly reduce exposure to workplace violence risk in this setting?
Schedule at least two staff members on identified high-risk late shifts; Improve exterior lighting and clear sightlines around entrances; Install time-delay safes and keep minimal cash in registers

1Which option best matches OSHA's general description of workplace violence?

2OSHA currently has a single, comprehensive standard that specifically regulates workplace violence for all industries.

True / False

3A masked person with no connection to your business enters after hours and demands cash at gunpoint. Under OSHA's types of workplace violence, how is this primarily classified?

4At a staff meeting, a coworker slams a laptop shut and says, "One of these days I am going to make you all pay" while glaring around the room. What is the most appropriate response under a workplace violence prevention program?

5Which situation is a commonly recognized risk factor for workplace violence in OSHA and NIOSH guidance?

6Under OSHA guidance, only physical contact such as punching or shoving is considered workplace violence.

True / False

7A near miss where an angry visitor threatened to "come back with a weapon" should be reported in the workplace violence system even if they left without harming anyone.

True / False

8An employee's ex-partner repeatedly comes to reception, waits in the parking lot, and has threatened them. The ex is not a customer or employee. How should this case be classified under OSHA's workplace violence types?

9A convenience store clerk often works alone on late shifts and has had several encounters with intoxicated customers yelling and pounding the counter. Management wants to reduce risk, not just add training. Which action is the strongest control to put in place first?

10A customer is shouting about a billing error and leaning over the counter. You have space to move and they are not yet making threats. Which response best uses de-escalation techniques?

11In a hospital, a visitor shouts at a nurse about wait times, then swings a fist and has to be restrained by security. How should this event be classified under OSHA's workplace violence types?

12Which statement best describes OSHA's expectation for employers regarding workplace violence hazards?

13Effective de-escalation usually involves standing very close to the person to show concern and positioning yourself between them and the exit.

True / False

14Threats, stalking, or harassment that occur mainly outside the building can still matter for workplace violence prevention if there is a realistic chance they will spill over to the job site.

True / False

15Front desk staff at a behavioral health clinic report that agitated clients sometimes step behind the counter to yell at them, and there is an open walkway into staff offices. Management wants the first step to be a control that clearly reduces exposure. What is the best initial action?

16You are asked to document an incident where a visitor pounded on the counter and threatened a receptionist. Which note best supports follow-up by a supervisor or threat assessment team?

17Arrange the following actions in the best-practice order when responding to a serious workplace violence threat that has just occurred and has now been stabilized.

Put in order

1Contact emergency responders or internal security resources as needed

2Create physical distance and move nearby people to a safer area

3Document the incident with specific behaviors, quotes, time, and witnesses

4Review the event to update controls, procedures, and training

5Notify the designated supervisor or threat management team about the incident

18An employee reports that a former intimate partner with a history of violence has been seen loitering near the workplace entrance and has violated a restraining order. Leadership wants a response that goes beyond support to the employee and addresses broader risk to the site. What is the most appropriate action plan?

19Your organization is updating controls for a small clinic where front desk staff often deal with agitated patients and handle cash for copays. Select all that apply. Which of the following are examples of engineering or administrative controls that directly reduce exposure to workplace violence risk in this setting?

Select all that apply

Disclaimer

This quiz is for educational and training purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice.

Frequent OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention Quiz Mistakes

Misreading OSHA Violence Types

Many learners confuse the four OSHA violence types and miss who owns the response. They label every case as worker-on-worker and send it to HR. The quiz often expects you to spot criminal intent, client or patient aggression, or personal relationship spillover, then route it to security, management, or law enforcement as needed.

Treating Every Scenario As An Active Shooter

Some answers jump straight to lockdown, armed response, or evacuation for behavior that is still at the threat or intimidation stage. The better choice in most items is early reporting, clear boundaries, and controls that reduce contact or exposure before a weapon appears.

Choosing Training Only, Not Exposure Controls

People often pick "provide more training" after a severe event or high-risk task description. OSHA-aligned prevention expects layered controls. Look for options that pair skills with engineering and administrative controls such as barriers, access control, staffing changes, or panic alarms.

Weak Documentation And Reporting Thresholds

Another frequent error is waiting for injury or a direct threat before reporting. The quiz rewards documentation of patterns like stalking, fixation, or escalating verbal abuse. Strong answers describe observable behavior, quotes, time, place, involved parties, and the immediate controls you used.

Poor De-escalation Language

Test-takers sometimes choose statements that argue facts, corner the person, or block exits. Safer options lower tone, allow space, give one simple limit, and include an exit path for both parties. Look for wording that slows the situation and preserves safety, not that wins an argument.

Authoritative References For OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention

Key Government and Research Resources

Use these sources to deepen your understanding of OSHA-aligned workplace violence prevention, risk factors, and control strategies that appear in this quiz.

OSHA Workplace Violence Overview: Defines workplace violence, outlines risk factors, and summarizes OSHA expectations for prevention programs.
OSHA Preventing Workplace Violence Systems of Safety: Describes layered engineering, administrative, and training controls for high-risk settings.
NIOSH Violence and Work Topic Page: Provides data on nonfatal and fatal events and highlights prevention research for different sectors.
CISA Workplace Violence and Insider Threat Resources: Focuses on behavioral indicators, threat management teams, and organizational response planning.
CISA Active Shooter Preparedness: Covers planning, drills, and response options for the most severe type of workplace violence incident.

OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention Quiz FAQ

Common Questions About This OSHA Workplace Violence Quiz

What OSHA concepts does this workplace violence prevention quiz emphasize?

The quiz focuses on OSHA’s definition of workplace violence, the four main violence types, common risk factors, and expectations for prevention programs. Scenarios test your ability to choose practical controls, apply de-escalation techniques, and decide when to report threats, near-misses, and patterns of concerning behavior.

How should I think about OSHA violence types I to IV while answering scenarios?

Begin by identifying the relationship between the aggressor and the workplace. Type I involves criminal intent with no legitimate relationship. Type II involves customers, clients, or patients. Type III covers worker-on-worker cases. Type IV involves personal relationships that spill into work. The correct type often drives who must be notified and which controls make sense.

Why do some answers focus on early reporting rather than waiting for an actual assault?

OSHA expectations and modern threat management emphasize early intervention on credible threats, stalking, and escalating intimidation. The quiz reflects this. Answers that document behavior clearly and trigger a formal review before physical harm occurs usually align better with prevention-focused programs.

How can this quiz support OSHA workplace violence prevention training efforts?

You can use missed questions to identify weak spots in recognizing risk factors, picking layered controls, or documenting incidents. Trainers often turn difficult scenarios into role-play or tabletop exercises that mirror local procedures. Pair this quiz with policies, reporting tools, and drills so knowledge translates into consistent action.

What should I study next if I struggle with broader OSHA safety concepts beyond violence?

If many questions feel unclear because OSHA basics are shaky, you may benefit from a wider review of general safety principles. The quiz at Broaden OSHA Safety Knowledge Beyond Violence can reinforce hazard recognition, hierarchy of controls, and worker rights that support your violence prevention decisions.

How does workplace violence prevention relate to overall security awareness at work?

Many warning signs of violence overlap with physical security and insider threat cues. Strong badge habits, visitor controls, and bystander reporting all support OSHA-aligned prevention. To build that broader skill set, see Strengthen Overall Workplace Security Awareness Skills as a complement to this quiz.