Workplace Violence

Washington – OSHA on Jan. 15 launched a web resource to help prevent injuries among hospital workers.

Washington – Ninety-five law enforcement officers died on the job in 2012, according to FBI data released Oct. 28.

Springfield, IL – Assaulting a nurse in Illinois will be classified as aggravated battery – a third-degree felony carrying a prison sentence of two to five years – under legislation signed into law Aug. 16.

According to NIOSH, about 1.7 million workers are injured every year in workplace assaults.

Washington – NIOSH on Aug. 12 released a free online course intended to help nurses and other health care professionals recognize and prevent workplace violence.

Washington – The U.S. Park Rangers Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police is calling on the National Park Service to implement a plan that the organization claims will help improve the safety of employees in national parks.

Washington – OSHA needs to issue more regulations that protect health care workers and conduct more inspections of facilities in that industry, according to a report released July 17 by advocacy group Public Citizen.

Austin, TX – Beginning Sept. 1, assaulting emergency department personnel in Texas will be a felony offense under legislation signed into law June 14 by Gov. Rick Perry (R).

A workplace shooting or other violent incident can harm employees and damage morale. What signs should employers look for to recognize potentially dangerous employees, and how should they respond to the threat?