According to Injury Facts®, there were 18,400 injuries and 458 fatalities caused by workplace violence in 2017. Workers in healthcare, education, and other service providers are more likely to be assaulted than workers in other professions. For example, OSHA reports that taxi drivers are more than 20 times more likely to be murdered on the job than other workers. Even if you don’t work in an industry that sees frequent violence, it is important to remember that workplace violence can happen anywhere and at any time.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health separates workplace violence into the following four categories:
- Criminal Intent
- Customer / Client
- Worker-On-Worker
- Personal Relationship
Active Shooter
The deadliest instances of workplace violence involve active shooters. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an active shooter situation involves someone "actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area."
Because so much can happen during the chaotic minutes before police arrive at an active shooter scene, DHS advises workers to remain calm and do one of these three things:
- Run
- Hide
- Fight
If you see an accessible escape route, immediately use it. If you can’t evacuate, find a hiding place where you won't be trapped. You should also lock and blockade the door, and make sure your phone is silent. If the shooter finds you, throw items or improvise weapons to fight back.
How Can Workplaces Address Violence?
Every workplace should have policies and emergency plans for workplace violence, including:
- Employee training
- Working with local law enforcement
- Creating an emergency action plan
- Zero-tolerance policies toward workplace violence
Have you been assaulted at work? Do you want to pursue compensation for your injury expenses? Then call (203) 583-8299 to set up a free consultation with our legal team in Waterbury. We are here to assist you.