Violence in the workplace

Essay by arestumUniversity, Master'sA+, May 2004

download word file, 13 pages 4.3

INTRODUCTION

What is workplace violence? Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence against workers. 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. However it manifests itself, workplace violence is a growing concern for employers and employees nationwide (www.osha.gov). The law enforcement community defines Workplace violence as the commission of proscribed criminal acts or coercive behavior which occurs in the work setting. It includes but is not limited to homicides, forcible sex offenses, kidnapping, assault, robbery, menacing, reckless endangerment, harassment and disorderly conduct. Workplace violence is an issue that everyone who is in the labor force should be aware of. Regardless of the industry or the organization, employees, supervisors, managers and owners should take precautions and take note that workplace violence has many forms and can happen at any time.

as well as be at any location either permanent or temporary where an employee performs any work-related duty.

Something like that could never happen here, is what most assumes. Unfortunately, the statistics show that violence can and does happen in the workplace. In fact, the chances of violence occurring in the workplace are shockingly high and increasing. An important question that should be asked is how can you prevent violence in the workplace from occurring? The answer to this question is very complex.

How often does workplace violence occur? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, murder was the second leading cause of death in the workplace, In 1997, there were 856 homicides in America's workplace, where assaults and threats of violence number 2 million a year. Although the press focuses on the "crazy worker-type violence," where a worker kills his supervisor or co-workers, violence among co-workers occurs...