Request Demo

Workplace Violence Statistics 2025: Why States are Requiring Businesses to Have Panic Button Systems

Workplace Violence Statistics 2025: Why States are Requiring Businesses to Have Panic Button Systems

Workplace Violence Statistics. Man interrupting fight at workplace

Workplace Violence Statistics 2025: Why States are Requiring Businesses to Have Panic Button Systems

In 2025, workplace violence has escalated into a nationwide crisis, pressing states to take decisive action. New statistics reveal: 

 

  • 4.3 serious workplace violence injuries per 10,000 workers, an alarming surge from previous years (AFL-CIO).

  • Over 2 million Americans experience workplace violence annually (Coolest Gadgets). 

  • Healthcare workers face violence at 5x the rate of other professions (FACS). 

  • $18.27 billion: the annual cost to hospitals from workplace violence alone (AHA). 

  • Healthcare represents 10% of the U.S. workforce but accounts for nearly 48% of nonfatal injuries due to workplace violence (Centegix). 

  •  

The cost to business is staggering, with an estimated $130 billion annual burden on U.S. enterprises from workplace violence (Coolest Gadgets). In the retail sector, 27% of workers report feeling unsafe, and incidents are climbing (Safety and Health Magazine). 

 

The Alarming Reality: 2025 Workplace Violence by the Numbers 

Overall National Statistics 

  • 740,000+ incidents annually across industries (AFL-CIO). 

  • 385 workers killed daily from workplace hazards, including violence (AFL-CIO). 

  • 61.5% of remote workers have endured bullying or harassment (Coolest Gadgets). 

  • 75% of cases involve physical assault (Coolest Gadgets). 

  • 1 in 4 incidents go unreported, meaning even these figures are likely conservative (Coolest Gadgets). 

Geographic and Demographic Breakdown 

  • Age groups most at risk: 25-34 (23%), 35-44 (20%), 45-54 (18%) (Coolest Gadgets). 

  • Women comprise 72.5% of nonfatal workplace violence cases, largely due to overrepresentation in high-risk sectors (Coolest Gadgets). 

  • Psychological violence: 17.9% globally—an estimated 583 million people affected (Coolest Gadgets). 

  • Sexual harassment: Impacts 6% of employees (Coolest Gadgets). 

 

Industry-Specific Deep Dive: High-Risk Sectors 

Although workplace violence affects every industry, some sectors face especially severe risks and consequences. Here’s how violence is impacting healthcare, education, and retail workplaces in real time. 

Healthcare: The Epicenter of Workplace Violence 

Healthcare stands at the crossroads of compassion and danger: 

  • 57 nursing staff assaults occur daily (Q2 2022) (BNO News). 

  • 16,975 nurse assaults in 2023 (up 5% from 2022) (AACN). 

  • 8,590 nonfatal injuries to healthcare workers in 2022 (BNO News). 

  • Harassment has doubled (from 6% in 2018 to 13% in 2022) (BNO News). 

  • $14.65 billion in post-event costs; $3.62 billion spent annually on prevention (AHA). 

  •  

Key risk amplifiers: 
Working with patients who have a history of violence, night/early-morning shifts, working alone, and emergency/psychiatric departments. 

B. Education Sector: Hidden Violence Against Staff 

Schools are not immune: 

  • 70% of Ontario education workers have faced physical force (CBC). 

  • Shocking growth: 477 serious injuries in 2016 vs. 385 in 2012—a 24% jump (The Independent). 

  • 83% of intentional school injuries caused by students (CDC). 

  • 31,200 intentional injuries occur in U.S. schools annually (CDC). 

  • 25% of injuries happen while restraining combative students (CDC). 

  •  

Underreporting remains rampant as many see violence as “part of the job.” Staff working in special education, under-resourced, or high-behavioral-need environments are at highest risk. 

 

C. Retail: Frontline Violence Explosion 

Retailers face a surge in violence and threats: 

  • 867 violent incidents daily against retail workers in 2023 (PeopleSafe). 

  • Peaked at 1,301 incidents daily during the first pandemic year (Retail Week). 

  • Over 300,000 retail workers experience violence/abuse yearly in the UK (PeopleSafe). 

  • 25% of U.S. retail workers affected just last year (Forbes). 

  • Only 4% of incidents result in prosecution, revealing a justice gap (Retail Week). 

  • £1.76 billion cost to UK retailers, with U.S. costs following similar trends (PeopleSafe). 

  •  

Worker sentiment: 27% feel unsafe (Safety and Health Magazine); 80% fear active shooter scenarios (Security Info Watch). 

 

The Legislative Response: State-by-State Panic Button Requirements 

With the crisis escalating across high-risk industries, state lawmakers are stepping in to mandate stronger protections and panic button systems. These legislative measures mark a turning point in workplace safety requirements nationwide. 

New York: Leading the Charge 

Retail Worker Safety Act Highlights: 

  • Effective March 3, 2025: Retailers (10+ employees) must implement violence prevention policies and mandatory de-escalation training (emtrain). 

  • By January 1, 2027: Panic buttons mandated for employers with 500+ employees Statewide (Gothamist). 

  • Provisions: Written policies, regular drills, silent alert panic buttons for internal security, and enhanced reporting (Security Info Watch). 

2025 Amendments 

  • Silent response buttons (not 911 direct) for internal security/management (Littler)

  • Statewide vs. nationwide employee count requirements (Littler)

  • Enhanced training requirements for larger employers (Littler)


See a complete state-by-state breakdown of requirements for other state rules. 

 

Alyssa’s Law: School Safety Expansion 

Passed in New Jersey, Florida, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma, Georgia, Washington, and Oregon, Alyssa’s Law requires silent panic alert systems for schools by 2025 (Pikmykid). 

 
Implementation costs: $15,000 per school to install; $8,000/year for ongoing maintenance. The entire state of Tennessee’s implementation will cost $36 million (Fox 17). 

 

California’s Comprehensive Approach 

SB 553 (Effective July 2024): 

  • All companies with 10+ employees must have a violence prevention plan (CA.gov). 

  • Written plans, hazard assessments, annual training, and incident documentation are mandatory (CSUN). 

  • Coverage includes psychological trauma and threats. 

Other State Initiatives 

  • Hotels: Panic button mandates in Illinois, New Jersey, Washington; more states pending legislation. 

  • Emerging bills: Alaska’s SB 49 leads new “workplace violence protective orders” movement; multiple states pursue healthcare-specific protections (Ogletree). 

More Workplace Regulations can be found here.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: The Business Case for Panic Button Systems 

As compliance becomes mandatory across more states and sectors, organizations must weigh both the financial and operational impacts of investing in violence prevention systems. What does the cost-benefit landscape look like for businesses in 2025? 

Return on Investment (ROI) Data 

  • $2–$6: Return on every $1 invested in workplace safety (KPA). 

  • National Safety Council: Minimum 2x return on every prevention dollar (KPA). 

Workplace violence costs: 

  • Healthcare alone: $18.27 billion/year (AHA). 

  • One violent incident: 8 sick days per worker, 50% productivity decline (Coolest Gadgets). 

Hidden Costs of Inaction 

Direct costs: 

  • Medical/compensation expenses 

  • Legal fees, lawsuits, regulatory fines (e.g., $163,627 OSHA penalty for one healthcare provider) 

Indirect costs: 

  • Skyrocketing insurance premiums 

  • Staff turnover and recruitment 

  • Lost productivity/absenteeism 

  • Morale and reputation damage 

  •  

The numbers make the business case for prevention systems clear: Upfront investment delivers outsized returns while mitigating risk. 

 

Risk Factors Driving Legislative Action 

Understanding the real-world risks that prompt legislative action is essential for designing effective prevention strategies. Let’s explore why certain workplaces are most vulnerable to violence, and how evolving risk factors are influencing policy. 

California’s Identified Risk Factors 

California identifies a wide spectrum of risk scenarios: 

  • Handling money/public transactions 

  • Working alone/small teams 

  • Night shifts or early hours 

  • Guarding valuables 

  • Performing public safety/social welfare tasks 

  • Staff/client history of violence or aggression 

Industry-Specific Risk Amplifiers 

  • Healthcare: Patient behavior, medications, agitated family, trauma settings 

  • Retail: Customer disputes, theft/theft-prevention, busy periods (holidays) 

  • Education: Behavioral outbursts, disciplinary actions, under-resourced settings 

  • Social services: Stressful client interactions, field/home visits 

Pandemic-Era Changes 

  • Retail violence tripled during the first pandemic year (Retail Week). 

  • Mask/social distancing disputes dramatically escalated tensions. 

  • Economic anxiety and persistent staffing shortages exacerbate risk. 

 

Safety Technology Trends Shaping 2025 Solutions 

To address these rising risks, companies are looking to the latest advancements in safety technology. What innovations are redefining the way panic button systems and mass notification solutions protect today’s workers? 

Advanced Panic Button Features 

  • AI-driven analysis to eliminate false alarms and predict threats. 

  • Geolocation for pinpointed emergency responses. 

  • Integrated with security/surveillance systems; some devices are wearable and monitor user health. 

  • 5G connectivity: Enables instant, reliable panic alerts and messaging (SDM Magazine). 

Mass Notification Evolution 

  • Multi-channel alerts: SMS, app, phone, email, PA system. 

  • AI adapts messaging based on the specific threat detected. 

  • Real-time dashboards provide situational awareness. 

  • Enhanced integration with building automation: lockdowns, lighting, public address. 

Market Growth Projections 

  • Mass notification systems: 22.3% compound annual growth through 2029 (Markets and Markets). 

  • Safety technology is growing at 5.5% annually (Future Market Insights). 

 

Implementation Best Practices 

Adopting new technology is only half the battle—successful implementation and ongoing compliance demand careful planning and execution. Follow these best practices to ensure your prevention program meets both legal requirements and employee needs. 

Compliance Strategy 

  • Risk assessment: Conduct and document site reviews. 

  • Develop policies tailored to state and federal standards. 

  • Training: Set up annual training with focus on proven de-escalation techniques ([De-Escalation in the Workplace: Why Every Employee Needs These Critical Skills]). 

  • Integration: Sync panic buttons and incident reporting tools with existing emergency, HR, and security systems. 

Technology Selection Criteria 

  • Scalability: Can your system grow as your workforce or locations do? 

  • Integration: Is it compatible with your current systems? 

  • User experience: Is it simple, accessible, and effective during emergencies? 

  • Vendor reliability: Choose providers with strong support and a track record in your sector. 

  • Cost-benefit: Use an industry-specific framework to forecast ROI. 


For a comprehensive emergency preparedness assessment, see Emergency Preparedness Reality Check: Is Your Workplace Ready for 2025’s Safety Challenges?

 

Looking Ahead: 2025 Trends and Predictions 

As organizations build robust prevention frameworks, it’s important to anticipate future developments in workplace safety. What trends and regulatory changes are on the horizon for 2025 and beyond? 

Regulatory Expansion 

  • Federal consideration of Alyssa’s Law for schools nationwide. 

  • More states are poised to enact or strengthen panic button and prevention statutes. 

  • OSHA expected to expand standards for all industries with new funding and data reviews. 

Action Steps for Businesses 

  • Measure your current risks using public/state guidelines. 

  • Review the latest state and sector-specific rules. 

  • Evaluate leading technology partners and platforms. 

  • Calculate likely ROI with available benchmarks. 

  • Draft a timeline and budget for full compliance. 

  •  

Conclusion

Ultimately, the trends, regulations, and technologies shaping 2025’s workplace violence landscape demand immediate attention and action. Here’s what your organization needs to remember as you prepare for the road ahead 

Key Takeaways 

  • Workplace violence prevention statistics reveal an urgent and growing threat in 2025. 

  • States are rapidly enacting requirements for panic buttons and violence prevention systems. 

  • Cost-benefit analyses overwhelmingly support investment; protection pays for itself many times over. 

  • Technology is rapidly advancing, allowing every organization to tailor modern, scalable safety solutions. 

Prepare today: 

  • Review the complete state-by-state breakdown of requirements]. 

  • Train your team in proven de-escalation techniques. 

  • Ensure your workplace is ready with a comprehensive emergency preparedness assessment. 

  •  

Your people, your reputation, and your bottom line are at stake. Invest in prevention now; the data proves it’s the best decision you’ll make in 2025. 

 
Schedule A Demo and Get Prepared Now