Business Continuity Strategies: Protecting Against Unplanned Disasters, 3rd Edition

Chapter 2. Workplace Violence

Background

What Is Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence is violent action or the threat of violent action against workers or an organization. Terrorism can be an example of workplace violence. It can occur at or outside the workplace and can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide, one of the leading causes of job-related deaths. In whatever form it takes, workplace violence is a growing concern for organizations worldwide.

Who Is Vulnerable?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) claims some 2 million U.S. workers are victims of workplace violence annually. It can strike anywhere and anytime, and no one or no organization is immune. Most vulnerable are workers who exchange money with the public; deliver passengers, goods, or services; or work alone or in small groups. Equally vulnerable are those who work late-night or early-morning hours; and/or work in high-crime areas, or in community settings and homes where they have extensive contact with the public.

Also prime targets are healthcare and social service workers, such as visiting nurses, psychiatric evaluators, and probation officers; community workers, such as gas and water utility employees, phone and cable TV installers, and postal workers; and retail workers.

Contributing Factors

These conditions or organizational practices contribute to the likelihood of workplace violence:

• Lack of a preventive policy toward workplace violence

• Inadequate employee acquisition, ...