Violence and Work

Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health — Content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (public domain).

Key points * Workplace violence can happen to any type of worker in any work setting, though some workers have a higher risk. * Workplace violence can cause long-term effects, both physical and psychological. * NIOSH funds, conducts, and publishes research to reduce workplace violence. What it is Workplace violence is the act or threat of violence. It ranges from verbal abuse to physical assaults directed toward people at work or on duty. Violence can occur in any workplace and among any type of worker. The impact of workplace violence can range from psychological issues to physical injury, or even death. The risk for fatal violence is greater for workers in sales, protective services, and transportation. The risk for nonfatal violence resulting in days away from work is greatest for healthcare and social assistance workers. Workplace violence prevention course for nurses This award-winning course educates nurses on the scope and nature of violence in the workplace and how to prevent. Take the course to earn free continuing education units Quick facts and stats Injuries According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20,050 workers in the private industry experienced trauma from nonfatal workplace violence in 2020. These incidents required days away from work.1 Of those victims who experienced trauma from workplace violence: * 73% were female * 62% were aged 25-54 * 76% worked in the healthcare and social assistance industry * 22% required 31 or more days away from work to recover * 22% involved 3-5 days away from work Deaths According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 392 U.S. workers died from workplace homicide in 2020.2 Of those victims who died from homicide: * 81% were men * 44% were aged 25-44 * 28% were Black * 18% were Hispanic * 30% performed retail-related tasks (e.g., waiting on customers) Programs and initiatives NIOSH funds, conducts, and publishes research focused on risk factors and prevention strategies for workplace violence. Employers, occupational safety and health professionals, and workers can use the following resources to reduce occupational violence. Resources From NIOSH General Indicators of Workplace Violence, 2019 Provides indicators of workplace violence. Violence on the Job Learn how to identify risk factors for violence at work and how to keep employees safe. Basic dos and don’ts for EMPLOYEES to prevent workplace violence Information for employees on how to prevent workplace violence. Healthcare Prioritizing our Healthcare Workers: The Importance of Addressing the Intersection of Workplace Violence and Mental Health and Wellbeing Online Workplace Violence Prevention Course for Nurses This course is for healthcare professionals and focuses on how to prevent violence in the workplace. Emergency Medical Services Workers: How Employers Can Prevent Injuries and Exposures Highlights results from a study on EMS workers and recommends steps to protect them. Violence Occupational Hazards in Hospitals Recent data indicate that hospital workers are at high risk for experiencing violence in the workplace. Retail Help for the Holidays: Preventing Fatigue, Violence, and Stress in Retail Reducing Workplace Violence in Gasoline Stations and Convenience Stores Explains how to reduce robbery-related violence at gasoline stations and convenience stores. Reducing Workplace Violence in Gas Stations and Convenience Stores: for Employers Explains how gasoline stations and convenience store employers can guard against violence. Reducing Workplace Violence in Gas Stations and Convenience Stores: for Employees Explains how gasoline stations and convenience store employees can guard against violence. Taxi drivers NIOSH Fast Facts Taxi Drivers How to Prevent Robbery and Violence Recommends strategies for taxi drivers to prevent robbery and violence. Journal articles * Trends in workplace homicides in the U.S., 1994–2021: An end to years of decline American Journal of Industrial Medicine: April, 2024 / 67(6):562-571 * Workplace violence against healthcare workers using nationally representative estimates of emergency department data, 2015-2017 American Journal of Industrial Medicine: April, 2023 / 66(4):333-338 * Occurrences of workplace violence related to the COVID-19 pandemic, United States, March 2020 to August 2021 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: November, 2022 / 19(21):14387 * Workplace violence and the mental health of public health workers during COVID-19 American Journal of Preventive Medicine: March, 2023 / 64(3):315-325 * Workplace violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: March-October, 2020, United States Journal of Safety Research: September 22, 2022 / 82:376-384 * Symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation among state, tribal, local, and territorial public health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic — United States, March–April 2021 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: July 2, 2021 / 70(26):947-952 * Impact of a crime prevention ordinance for small retail establishments American Journal of Industrial Medicine: June 2021 / 64(6):488-495 More on workplace violence NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of occupational safety and health resources supported in whole or in part by NIOSH. Use these recommended search terms: Homicide , Violence , Aggression , Bullying , Harassment , Mistreatment.Search NIOSHTIC-2