Violence in the Workplace: It was better for awhile

Awareness of violence potential is key to preventing it

Violence in the workplace did not just start, but it has started to get worse again.  After the early- and mid-90s, incidents of homicide in the workplace began to drop; however, two years ago it began to rise again according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.  What can we attribute this to and what can companies do about it?  Awareness, employee action and employer response to the threat are all essential in order to protect the workers of America from becoming victims.

The numbers may be higher than you thought possible

Believe it or not, homicide is the second leading cause of occupational deaths in the United States.  There averages 1,000 employees murdered and 1,500,000 employees assaulted at work each year, as detailed in the National Crime Victimization Survey.  Almost a third of the assaults are aggravated (a weapon or position of power was involved).  Add to that number, an additional half million threatened assaults are reported each year.  Of one thing we can be sure, not all incidents are reported, either.

Workplace violence is expensive—very expensive

Since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began recording incidents of violence in the workplace eighteen years ago, it has been seen that the violence is not evenly distributed across the workforce but tends to concentrate and cluster in certain occupations.  Workplace Violence Research Institute estimates a cost to business of $36,000,000,000 (Billion) each year.

Some occupations are more dangerous, but sometimes not the ones you expect

By far, the workplace that is most prone to homicide and other violent acts is the taxi cab.  It is the highest risk in the country at sixty times the national average for violence in the workplace.  Some of the other high ones are not surprising, but some might be.  Law enforcement follows taxi drivers.  Security guards and gas station attendants are also next to the top.  Retail sales people are the next highest group.  Over half of the homicides occurred in retail and service companies.  In fact, homicide is the leading cause of death in retail, service, finance, insurance and real estate industries. Additionally, over 85% of non-fatal assaults happen in service and retail.  As America shifts toward more service industries, those numbers rise disproportionately.

The profile of workplace violence is different

Workplace violence trends generally reflect trends in society but at work, the specifics and demographics of those committing the violence differs sharply.  For example, robbery-related deaths are 75% in the workplace while only 9% in the general population and only 19% if including other felony-related deaths.  In the population about 47% of murders are committed by someone known to the victim but at work most homicides are committed by someone unknown to the victim.   Only 17% of females were killed by a spouse or partner or ex-partner whereas it is 30% in the general population.  The lesson is business owners and management needs to expect the unexpected.

Coworkers or disgruntled ex-employees are the most sensationalized by the media probably because they are the most senseless and frightening as they are completely unanticipated.  Most companies consider themselves low-risk for such acts but there are danger signs.

Employees themselves may provide the early warning system

Employees need to be made aware of the danger signs of a growing problem and they need to report observations of danger signs early.  Also, employees sometimes feel overly secure at work and must be trained to watch out for their personal safety by not exposing themselves to high risk situations.  Early danger signs include:

Business owners can help

The mistake many business owners make is relying on judgments based on physical injuries after the fact.  By then, it is too late.  Shift emphasis from reacting to an incident to preventing an incident by watching for danger signs.

Danger signs must be taken seriously.  Address them vigorously at earlier stages.  For preventing violence in the workplace vigilance is the key.  Note that business owners are being held liable more frequently. Some of the potential threats for lawsuits aimed at business owners include:

  • Failure to provide safe and secure environment
  • Inadequate security
  • Failure to properly screen candidates
  • Negligent hiring policies
  • Negligent retention after an incident
  • Negligent supervision

Employers must change the way work is done.  Precautions employers can take to prepare them and prevent incidents include:

  • Getting to know your employees personally so you can know when behavior is out of character
  • Train supervisors and co-workers to report unusual behavior to a designated HR representative so they know the company’s response to reporting is positive and expected.
  • Provide services so deeply troubled employees can turn for help.
  • Develop a prevention program
  • Keep testing and seeking improvements to a prevention program
  • Prepare a crisis response plan
  • Develop and execute an awareness training program
  • Install specific prevention obstacles such as bullet-resistant barriers and enclosures
  • Equip field representatives with cell phones
  • Provide locked drop safes and fully secured cash handling procedures for all employees

Violent acts can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone.  Being knowledgeable and vigilant about the warning signs and taking action when they are observed may prevent a deadly occurrence.