What is the duty of care in preventing workplace violence?

• A. Employees alone are responsible
• B. They apply only to customers
• C. It is unrelated to prevention
• D. Employers owe a safe working environment and must take reasonable steps to prevent harm and protect employees.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is the duty of care, which means employers must provide a safe working environment and take reasonable steps to prevent harm and protect employees from workplace violence. This involves proactively identifying risks, implementing practical controls and policies, offering training, establishing clear reporting and response procedures, and regularly reviewing and updating safety measures as conditions change. The employer carries the primary responsibility for safety, though employees also share in following policies and reporting concerns. It isn’t about employees alone, it isn’t restricted to interactions with customers, and it isn’t separate from prevention—preventing violence is exactly what this duty is about.