Picking up from where Workplace Violence: Facts and Statistics (Pt. 1) left offer, here we will continue to focus on the prevalence and problem of workplace violence in the U.S. While the first part of this blog was dedicated to presenting workplace violence statistics, below, we will highlight some of the factors that can increase the risk of workplace violence. 

Factors that May Increase the Risk of Workplace Violence

Law enforcement and customer service occupations are among those that are the most prone to workplace violence.

While any number of factors can increase the possibility that someone will verbally and/or physically lash out at a co-worker or anyone in the workplace, some of the most common factors that have been linked to an increased risk of workplace violence include (but are not necessarily limited to):

• Working with people who are volatile and/or unstable (For example, this can involve working with people who may have addiction issues and/or certain psychological conditions – like, for instance, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.)
• Working in isolated conditions on a regular basis
• Working in the service industry, particularly in environments in which money is exchanged and/or alcohol is served
• Working nightshifts and/or in areas known to be plagued with crime.

Some of the specific occupations in which people may be more likely to be exposed to workplace violence include (but are not limited to):

• Customer service jobs
• Law enforcement positions
• Service industry occupations
• Delivery drivers
• Healthcare professionals.

In fact, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, more than 50 percent of all workplace homicides take place in:

• Sales and related occupations (about 28 percent)
• Protective service-related jobs (approximately 17 percent)
• Transportation-related occupations (about 13 percent). 

Stay posted for the third, final installment of this blog to come for a closer look at some of the specific things that employers can do to limit the risk of workplace violence and, in turn, protect their employees.

Colorado Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick

If you have been the victim of workplace violence (or have sustained any workplace injury) and are considering (or in the process of) filing a workers’ compensation claim, you cannot rely upon your employer or insurance companies to look out for your best interests. In fact, both your employer and insurance companies will be more focused on their own bottom lines instead of your current and future wellbeing. This can make the system adversarial for injured workers and potentially even put them in situations in which their legitimate workers’ compensation claims are undercut or even flat-out denied.

In such cases, it’s essential that injured workers contact the Colorado workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick. Our legal professionals are experienced at going up against corporate lawyers and insurance companies, and we have a proven track record of success when it comes to securing our Clients the maximum possible compensation for their injuries and financial losses. For a thorough evaluation of your case, along with expert advice on the best manner in which to move forward, call us at (303) 447-2644.