Workplace Violence: A Looming Threat We Can't Ignore

Introduction:

Workplace violence is a growing concern that affects millions of Americans every year. In the United States alone, approximately 2 million people become victims of workplace violence annually. This alarming statistic is just the tip of the iceberg, as a multitude of other data points emphasize the need for employers to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees.

Statistics We Cannot Afford to Ignore:

1. Feeling Unsafe at Work: A staggering 68% of workers report not feeling safe at work, highlighting the pervasive fear of violence within workplaces.

2. Fatal Work Injuries: In 2019, workplace violence accounted for 9% of all fatal work injuries in the United States, resulting in 5,333 fatalities. This equates to approximately 3.5 fatalities for every 100,000 full-time employees.

3. Active Shooter Incidents:Active shooter incidents are often unpredictable and evolve rapidly. They can be over within 10 to 15 minutes, long before law enforcement arrives at the scene. Approximately 25% of businesses are unprepared for such incidents, leaving employees vulnerable.

4. Lack of Preparedness: Astonishingly, even though 62% of companies view active shooters as a top threat, as many as 79% of businesses report feeling unprepared for such incidents. Alarmingly, 61% of these companies do not conduct proactive active shooter preparedness drills or training for their employees.

5. Underreporting: Nearly one-fourth of workplace violence incidents are never formally reported by American employers. Furthermore, up to 90% of organizations fail to comply with federal OSHA recordkeeping and reporting regulations.

6. HR Professionals' Experiences: Approximately 50% of HR professionals report that their businesses have experienced at least one workplace violence incident, indicating the widespread nature of the problem.

7. Fear of Retaliation: Employees often fear retaliation from their supervisors, discouraging them from reporting violence or concerns about their safety.

Cost of Workplace Violence:

The financial implications of workplace violence are equally concerning:

1. Settlement Costs: The average out-of-court settlement for a workplace violence incident is approximately $500,000, excluding wrongful deaths. Jury award settlements can reach as high as $3 million, posing a significant financial burden on businesses.

2. Lost Revenue: Workplace violence results in hundreds of billions of dollars in lost revenue for American businesses each year. Decreased productivity due to illness and injuries, employee turnover, lawsuit fees, employee absences, and damage to a business's reputation all contribute to this substantial loss.

3. Financial Impact: On average, American businesses lose between $250 to $330 billion annually due to workplace violence, according to the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.

Additional Workplace Violence Statistics:

1. Aggravated Assaults: Nearly 400,000 aggravated assaults occur in the workplace every year, further highlighting the prevalence of violence within professional settings.

2. Fatalities: Shockingly, approximately 350 people are shot and killed while at work every year, equating to nearly six fatalities per week.

3. Emergency Preparedness: A concerning 55% of employees claim to be unaware or unsure of their employers' emergency preparedness plans, while only 45% are aware of workplace violence prevention programs.

Conclusion:

The statistics surrounding workplace violence are alarming and underscore the urgent need for businesses to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees. To ensure a secure work environment, it is crucial for organizations to schedule a risk management consultation with a trusted private security company, such as ours. By taking proactive steps to address this critical issue, businesses can not only protect their employees but also safeguard their financial stability and reputation in an increasingly uncertain world. Don't wait until it's too late – act now to mitigate the risks of workplace violence.

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