Each week an average of 20 workers are murdered and 18,000 are assaulted while at work, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Homicide is among the top three causes of job-related deaths in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Workplace violence needs to be viewed in broader terms than homicide alone. Workers can be attacked physically, threatened or harassed; workplace violence incidents often involve weapons. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-596) mandates that employers provide safe and healthful working conditions - which includes taking steps to protect against workplace violence. If a violent act occurs in the workplace and the employer is found to be negligent, the employer can be held liable.

In many cases, the threat of workplace violence can be anticipated and defused. Spinelli Corporation has extensive experience investigating cases of workplace violence. We can also help your company:

Devise and implement a program to reduce risk of a violent incident, whether by a current or former staff member or someone not in your employ

Conduct security and surveillance audits, and create or modify crisis management plans, procedures and facilities

Prepare post-incident analyses

Train staff in helping anticipate, diffuse or respond to a violent incident in the workplace

Communicate the crisis response plan to key local, state and Federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies