Last week’s shooting in the shadow of the Empire State Building, brought about by a workplace dispute, illustrates that workplace violence can strike anywhere, anytime.
Workplace violence ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. Homicide is currently the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States. Nearly 2 million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year. Research has identified factors that may increase the risk of violence for some workers at certain worksites, including exchanging money with the public and working with volatile, unstable people.
However it manifests itself, workplace violence is a major concern for employers and employees. Litigation costs arising from victims’ claims of negligent hiring/retention/supervision and inadequate security have cost employers millions. Past awards include $5.2 million paid to a supervisor shot and permanently disabled by a disgruntled former employee and a North Carolina jury awarding $7.9 million to the families of two men who were killed in the workplace. These figures emphasize that employers cannot afford to ignore the real dangers and costs of workplace violence and the impact the fallout can have on a company’s bottom line. While purchasing proper insurance coverage can help mitigate these risks, there are other measures that should be taken to protect your organization.
In most workplaces where risk factors can be identified, the risk of assault can be prevented or minimized if employers take appropriate actions. Having an independent advisor help you review your current policies and procedures and implementing preventative measures is an important step in not only keeping your staff safe, but also reducing your company’s Total Cost of Risk (TCoR).
To learn more about ways to minimize the risk of workplace violence and create a workplace emergency action plan, please do not hesitate to contact our Managing Principal Albert Sica at 732.395.4251 or at [email protected].
