Help prevent workplace violence

Workplace violence led to nearly 18,000 deaths over a recent 27-year period, according to a recently published report from NIOSH and two other federal agencies.

A total of 17,865 workers were victims of workplace homicides from 1992 to 2019 – with a high of 1,080 in 1994. In 2019, workplace homicides totaled 454 – a 58% drop from the 1994 total. Follow these do’s and don’ts from NIOSH to help prevent workplace violence.

Do:

• Attend employer-provided training on how to recognize, avoid and respond to potential workplace violence situations.
• Report perceived threats or acts of violence to your supervisor.
• Follow existing workplace policies.
• Remain aware of and support co-workers and customers if a threatening situation occurs.

Don’t:

• Argue with a co-worker or customer if they threaten you or become violent. If needed, go to a safe area (ideally, NIOSH says, a room that locks from the inside, has a second exit route, and has a phone or silent alarm).
• Underestimate a threat. Take each one seriously.
• Ignore odd behavior. Report it.