Lower the risk of occupational homicide

Although OSHA has no standard regarding occupational homicide, it can be a significant risk, especially for workers in what NIOSH deems “high-risk workplaces.” These workplaces include liquor stores, taxicabs, motels, gas stations and jewelry stores.

NIOSH identifies the following risk factors for occupational homicide:

• Exchanging money with the public
• Working alone or in small groups
• Working overnight shifts
• Working in high-crime areas
• Having responsibility for guarding valuables
• Working in community settings (taxicab drivers, police officers, etc.)

NIOSH offers the following precautions to help limit the risk of homicide:

• Make high-risk areas more highly visible.
• Install adequate external lighting.
• Use drop safes to minimize the amount of cash on hand and post signs to that effect.
• Install silent alarms and surveillance cameras.
• Protect workers with bulletproof glass or enclosures.
• Increase the number of staff on duty.
• Close establishments during overnight, high-risk hours.
• Train employees in conflict resolution and non-violent response.
• Train employees not to resist a robbery.
• Have local law enforcement check on establishments regularly.