Workplace Violence ....and You!
According to the Washington Post, last Wednesday night, a man “nonchalantly walked” into a Colorado Walmart with a handgun, and apparently at random, opened fire and killed three people in the store. This is the latest shooting, and part of a terrifying growing trend of violence in America’s workplaces.
This event is yet another in 2017 to add to the death total of workplace shootings, which includes the Orlando nightclub mass shooting, one of the worst in American history. These events prove a stark reality for American business owners – the possibility of exceptionally violence acts like shootings and stabbings in the workplace and the increasing need to prepare for them.
Here are a few startling statistics about workplace violence:
It’s the 4th leading cause of death in the workplace (OSHA)
It costs employers $120 billion each year in damages (Kathleen M. Bonczyk)
October was the deadliest month of 2017, with 94 people shot and killed in their workplace and 348 wounded (Mass Shooting Tracker)
Nearly 2 million Americans each year report being victims of workplace violence (OSHA)
You are more likely to be involved in a violence incident at work than struck by lightning.
Additionally, the courts of the State of California have ruled that Workplace Violence is considered a possible 'hazard' as defined by the General Duty Clause which states...."Under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970, employers are required to provide their employees with a place of employment that "is free from recognizable hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employees."
This means if you, as the employer don't provide the training needed to address Workplace Violence and what your company policy provides as an anwer to the possibility and something happens.....you can also be sued civily in court.
Let Compliance & Safety First help you. It is simple and effective and could save lives at YOUR business. Contact us at 909-481-7223 or email us at Compliance@delaneyins.com We Will Help!
