The U.S. Department of Labor defines “workplace violence” as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or threatening and disruptive behavior happening at the jobsite.
Data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows 458 of the 5,147 fatal workplace injuries reported in 2017 were intentional injury by another person.
Including employees, clients, customers and visitors, threats range from verbal abuse and physical attacks to homicide. In fact, “acts of violence” is the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States.
Here are four facts about work-related assaults and homicides that safety professionals should know.