Protecting Employees from Workplace Violence: Why an Employee Accident Policy is a Smart Addition to Workers’ Compensation

Workplace violence is an unfortunate reality in today’s world, affecting businesses of all sizes and industries. Whether it’s an assault by a customer, a co-worker dispute, or even domestic violence spilling into a work-from-home environment, no workplace is immune.

While Workers’ Compensation provides coverage for on-the-job injuries, it often falls short in addressing the full impact of workplace violence. That’s where an Employee Accident Policy can step in—offering critical financial support to employees and their families in the aftermath of a violent workplace incident.

Let’s explore the risks, real-world incidents, and how employers can strengthen their benefits package with Workplace Violence Accident Coverage.

Workplace Violence: A Growing Threat

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), acts of violence is the 3rd leading cause of occupational death and some 2 million Americans are victims of workplace violence each year. Many more cases go unreported. Workplace violence can take many forms, including:

🔹 Physical assaults – Attacks by customers, clients, co-workers, or                     intruders.

🔹 Domestic violence – When an abusive partner targets an employee           at their workplace or home office.

🔹 Active shooter events – Tragic incidents that can occur in any work             setting.

🔹 Threats and intimidation – Verbal abuse or psychological harm that           escalates.

🔹 Customer aggression – Especially common in retail, healthcare, and           public-facing roles.

These incidents don’t just impact individual employees—they affect entire organizations, leading to lost productivity, higher turnover, legal expenses, and reputational damage.

How an Employee Accident Policy Provides Essential Protection

Many employers assume Workers’ Compensation will fully cover employees injured in workplace violence, but it has limitations:

✔️ It only covers incidents deemed work-related – Domestic violence incidents affecting remote workers may not qualify.

✔️ It doesn’t always provide adequate death benefits – Families of employees who lose their lives in a workplace violence incident may struggle financially.

✔️ It doesn’t address broader recovery needs – Expenses like child care, alternative workspaces, and home modifications often fall outside of traditional coverage.

A Workplace Violence Accident Coverage policy can help fill these gaps by providing:

1️⃣ Accidental Death Benefits for Families

If an employee is tragically killed in a workplace violence incident, this policy provides lump-sum death benefits (often at much higher limits that Workers' Compensation) to their loved ones, offering enhanced financial stability during an incredibly difficult time.  Policies also typically offer enhanced death benefits that pay for Child Care Expenses, Education Expenses, and may even pay for Continuation of Major Medical Insurance coverage for a victim's family for a certain period of time. 

2️⃣ Disability Benefits for Injured Employees

Employees who survive a violent attack often face a long recovery. A workplace violence accident policy can replace lost wages if an employee is temporarily or permanently disabled due to an attack at work.

3️⃣ Hospital Cash Benefits

Medical bills from a violent workplace attack can be overwhelming. Hospital indemnity or "Hospital Cash" coverage is  designed to help cover out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay. It provides cash benefits directly to the insured, which can be used for any expenses—whether medical or non-medical—helping individuals and families manage financial burdens that arise from hospitalization. 

4️⃣ Support for Work-From-Home ​ ​            ​    Employees

If workplace violence occurs in a remote work setting—such as a domestic violence incident—this coverage can provide:

✔ Alternative workspace benefits – Funding for a safe workspace if the home is no longer safe.

✔ Child care benefits – Assistance for employees dealing with domestic violence situations that impact their ability to work.

5️⃣ Mental Health and Trauma Recovery

Survivors of workplace violence often struggle with PTSD and emotional distress. Some policies include counseling and trauma recovery benefits to help employees return to work and rebuild their sense of security.

Why Employers Should Offer Workplace Violence Accident Coverage

Employers have a duty of care to protect their workforce—not just from physical harm, but also from the financial impact of workplace violence. 

A Workplace Violence Accident Policy is:

✅ Affordable & Easy to Implement – Unlike traditional liability coverage, this is a cost-effective addition to an existing benefits package.

✅ A Competitive Differentiator – Demonstrates a strong commitment to employee safety and well-being.

✅ A Critical Supplement to Workers’ Comp – Covers expenses and scenarios that traditional workers’ compensation policies may exclude.

Final Thoughts: Proactive Protection for Today’s Workforce

Workplace violence is unpredictable, but preparation is key. By adding a Workplace Violence Accident Coverage Policy, employers can provide financial security, recovery support, and enhanced peace of mind for employees and their families.

Whether your team works on-site, in the field, or remotely, this coverage helps to ensure they are protected—no matter where they are.

Want to learn how to integrate this policy into your benefits program? Reach out to Landsman Insurance Services today to discuss options for your organization.