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Workplace violence rates up, employee safety at risk

03/11/09

While overall workplace violence rates have declined over the past 10 years, the number of homicides from customers and clients has nearly tripled.

In 2007 there were 74 workplace murders, a dramatic increase from the 25 that were reported just 10 years earlier in 1997, according to figures provided by the Office of Safety and Health Statistics at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Following the trend from past years, robbery-related homicides were the most frequent type of workplace violence, topping the list with 610 murders. Those who work for taxi companies, grocery stores, fast food restaurants and late night retail stores understand the violence that has plagued their industries, but employee training and an overall drop in crime rates have improved their situation.

Domestic violence in the workplace has the lowest number of occupational homicides in 2007, however various studies show that it does have a major impact on an employee's job performance.

Incidents where workplace violence was committed by a current employee or recently fired worker fluctuated over the past 10 years, though the murder rate of 56 in 1997 is very close to the 58 that occurred in 2007. Researchers attribute this to increased awareness and the "24 hour news cycle" that keeps this specific type of workplace violence on people's minds.

It is those who serve the public that are at a growing risk for a violent attack. Workers in industries such as social services, health care and government work are frequently assaulted by the public they serve.

"People used to think that being kicked and spat upon was part of the job. We have done much to change that point of view," explained Jonathon Rosen, Director of the Occupational Safety & Health Department for the NYS Public Employees Federation. Unfortunately, Rosen does not see the trend diminishing, stating, "The budget crisis, staff reduction and hiring freezes will only make the situation worse, especially in institutional settings," as a lone worker has been identified as a risk factor in client assaults.

Employers can reduce the risk of violence in the workplace by taking a few simple measures, including:

  • Training employees in de-escalating hostile behavior
  • Using the buddy-system for visitations
  • Tracking incidents of aggression with repeat clients
  • Managing the layout of meeting areas and limiting entry points

As the economy continues to affect the lives of every American, experts anticipate that we may see a rise in workplace violence in the near future. They predict that situations where employees seek revenge on a former employer will not be the biggest issue to worry about.

Rather, researchers warn human services to be prepared to deal with extremely aggravated customers who are upset over bills they can't afford to pay. Employees who work in the public service industry must be trained to handle difficult situations and know how to diffuse them.

Violence in the workplace is more than just a newspaper headline, it affects real employees in every industry in the country. G.Neil's Workplace Violence Meeting Kit is a comprehensive solution for delivering employee training on the dangers of workplace violence.