Workplace Violence

Workplace Violence Prevention

Purpose

This policy establishes our Workplace Violence Prevention Plan to maintain a safe working environment free from violence, threats, intimidation, and harassment. It applies to all employees, contractors, clients, and visitors at all salon locations. All employees are required to read, understand, and follow this policy.

Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited on all company premises and at any work-related event:

  • Physical violence of any kind
  • Verbal threats, whether direct or implied
  • Written threats, including threats by text, email, or social media
  • Intimidation, bullying, or behavior intended to cause fear or emotional distress
  • Stalking or following a coworker, client, or other individual
  • Possession of firearms, knives (beyond professional cosmetology tools), or any other weapon on company premises (unless a licensed law enforcement officer)
  • Destruction of company property or personal property belonging to employees or clients
  • Retaliation against any person who reports a workplace violence concern

Violations will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Criminal conduct will be reported to law enforcement.

Workplace Violence Defined

Workplace violence includes four categories:

  • Type 1 - Criminal Intent: Violence by someone with no relationship to the business (e.g., robbery)
  • Type 2 - Client/Customer Violence: Violence or threats from clients
  • Type 3 - Worker-on-Worker Violence: Violence or threats between employees
  • Type 4 - Personal Relationship Violence: Violence by someone with a personal relationship to an employee (e.g., domestic partner) that enters the workplace

Salon-Specific Risks

  • Client confrontations over services, pricing, wait times, or outcomes can escalate. Clients under the influence of substances present an elevated risk.
  • Domestic violence situations - a current or former partner may appear at the salon. Employees experiencing domestic violence are encouraged to speak confidentially with management so safety precautions can be put in place.
  • Cash handling and robbery risk - the salon handles cash throughout the day, making it a potential target, especially during opening and closing.
  • Workplace bullying - in close-quarters environments, interpersonal conflicts can develop into bullying. This is a form of workplace violence and will not be tolerated.

Warning Signs

In clients or visitors:

  • Agitation, pacing, or inability to stay calm
  • Loud, aggressive, or threatening language
  • Refusal to follow reasonable requests
  • Signs of intoxication
  • Escalating anger that does not respond to normal customer service

In coworkers:

  • Expressed threats or comments about harming others, even framed as jokes
  • Dramatic changes in behavior, mood, or performance
  • Expressions of hopelessness, desperation, or extreme grievance
  • Statements suggesting access to weapons

Environmental indicators:

  • Propped back doors or disabled security systems
  • Unfamiliar individuals who cannot explain their presence

Noticing a warning sign does not mean violence will occur, but it should be reported so the situation can be monitored.

De-Escalation Techniques

When dealing with an agitated client or visitor:

  • Remain calm. Speak slowly, in a low and steady tone.
  • Acknowledge the person's frustration without arguing: "I understand you're upset."
  • Give the person space - do not stand over them or block their movement.
  • Avoid confrontation, pointing, or dismissive body language.
  • Listen actively and offer solutions where possible.
  • If the situation cannot be resolved, involve a manager immediately.
  • If a person becomes physically threatening, do not attempt to restrain them. Remove yourself and others from the area and call 911.

Your safety is the priority. No service, client dispute, or amount of money is worth physical injury.

Reporting Procedures

Report all actual incidents, threats, concerning behavior, or near-miss situations without delay.

How to report:

  • Report to the salon manager or owner verbally or in writing
  • Anonymous reports are accepted via a written note left for management
  • You may also report directly to Cal/OSHA at any time

What to report:

  • Any physical assault or attempted assault
  • Any verbal, written, electronic, or social media threat
  • Any behavior that causes you to fear for your safety
  • Any situation involving a weapon or suspected weapon
  • Any domestic violence situation that has entered or may enter the workplace

Retaliation is prohibited. You will never face discipline, reduced hours, or any other adverse action for reporting a workplace violence concern in good faith.

What to Do in an Emergency

Active Threat or Violence

  1. Call 911 immediately. Do not wait for permission from a manager.
  2. Remove yourself and others from danger if it is safe to do so.
  3. If you cannot evacuate, secure your location. Lock or barricade doors. Turn off lights. Stay quiet.
  4. Do not confront the individual. Do not attempt to physically stop or restrain a violent person.
  5. Alert others if you can do so safely.
  6. Follow law enforcement instructions when they arrive.

Response to a Threat (Non-Immediate)

  1. Document what was said or observed, including time, location, and witnesses.
  2. Report to the salon manager or owner as soon as possible.
  3. Do not confront the individual who made the threat.

Response to a Robbery

  1. Comply with demands. Do not resist.
  2. Do not use weapons or physical force.
  3. Observe and remember details about the person's appearance, voice, and vehicle.
  4. Once the individual has left, call 911 immediately.
  5. Do not touch anything the individual may have touched.
  6. Report the incident to management and complete an incident report.

Response to a Domestic Violence Situation

  1. Notify the salon manager immediately.
  2. If the individual is making threats, call 911.
  3. Do not physically intervene between individuals in a domestic dispute.
  4. The California domestic violence hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233.

Employee Support After an Incident

Following a violent incident, affected employees will be offered:

  • Time away from work if needed
  • Information about community mental health resources
  • A follow-up check-in from management within one week of returning to work

Your Rights

  • You may report workplace violence concerns to Cal/OSHA at any time, including anonymously
  • You may request a Cal/OSHA inspection if you believe the plan is not being followed
  • You may refuse work that you reasonably believe poses an imminent danger, provided you have reported the concern

Cal/OSHA may be contacted at 1-800-963-9424 or at www.dir.ca.gov/dosh.

Acknowledgment

All employees are required to sign an acknowledgment confirming they have received, read, and understood this Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.

This policy was last reviewed and updated: March 2026.