Defining Workplace Violence Under the Law

California law defines “workplace violence” broadly to mean any act of violence or “threat of violence” that occurs in a place of employment.

This includes:¹

• The threat or use of physical force directed at an employee with a high likelihood of causing injury, or caused an injury, psychological trauma or stress.
• An incident involving the threat or use of a firearm or a dangerous weapon.

A “threat of violence” is an oral or written statement or any behavioral or physical conduct that conveys, or is reasonably perceived to convey, an intent to cause harm or fear of