Workplace violence is a serious problem in the United States. According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, from 1993 to 1999, an average of 1.7 million people each year were victims of a violent crime while at work. Reducing occupational violence takes cooperation from employees and office management in order to be effective.
While the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that police officers, corrections officers, and taxi drivers experience the most workplace abuse, confrontations at work can arise in any profession. Employees who deal with the general public, work in high-crime areas, handle money, deliver goods, work late-night hours, or are in charge of valuables are all at greater risk of harm.
Each occupation requires a specific set of procedures to minimize potential altercations. Most work environments can benefit from security systems, guards, or alarms in case of danger. If youre dealing with cash, carrying small amounts and using locked drop safes are good policies.
Physically separating employees from the public they are dealing with will also reduce workplace violence. Barriers may include bulletproof glass, or simply a counter that is set high and deep to maximize separation. For those in the highest-risk occupations, wearing protective equipment may be necessary.
