Workplace Violence: Proactive Efforts Foster Safe, Productive Work Environments

No one thinks their factory or warehouse will be the setting for work-related violence.  Workplace shootings by disgruntled employees are continually in the news, especially if they result in a fatality. This violence, while serious, is relatively infrequent. More common are threats, bullying, emotional abuse, intimidation and assaults. However, if left unchecked, these less severe violent behaviors can escalate into more serious situations.

Exact data on the extent of workplace violence is difficult to obtain, because many lesser crimes go unreported. However, the Department of Justice estimates that workplace violence costs U.S. businesses billions of dollars from lost work time, reduced productivity, employee turnover, medical costs, workers' compensation expense and disability insurance premiums, and legal and security expenses.