Washington state experienced its highest number of workplace violence-related deaths in more than a decade in 2009, the state’s Department of Labor and Industries announced Jan. 29.
The department attributed the sudden spike to the murders of six law enforcement officers and several workplace suicides. Of 62 work-related fatalities, 13 were on-the-job homicides and seven were suicides, according to a department press release.
Prevention strategies include improved lighting, employee training and de-escalation techniques. The department also provides tips on coping with violent situations and developing a workplace violence prevention plan.
