Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors.
Research has identified factors that may increase the risk of violence for some workers at certain worksites. Such factors include exchanging money with the public and working with volatile, unstable people.
One of the best protections employers can offer their workers is to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence. This policy should cover all workers, patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with company personnel.
The Edmond post office shooting was a case of workplace violence that occurred on August 20, 1986, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Patrick Sherrill, a postal worker, pursued and shot many of his coworkers. In less than fifteen minutes, he killed 14 and wounded another six before committing suicide.
The Fort Hood shooting incident occurred on November 5, 2009. This was the worst incident of workplace violence on any US military base. The shooting was perpetrated by Major Nidal Malik Hasan. who killed 14 and injured over 30 others. He was arrested after the shooting. The shooter was said to be socially isolated.
This incident of workplace violence happened on December 7, 1987. David Burke carried out this attack. He was a disgruntled former employee of USAir, the owner of Pacific Southwest. David Burke’s manager fired him as a ticketing agent for theft and narcotics allegations.
This was another incident of workplace violence carried out by a disgruntled employee. The shooting occurred on August 26, 2015, in Moneta, Virginia. The shooter, Bryce Williams, was a former employee of WDBJ, an affiliate CBS TV channel. WDBJ fired him for disruptive behavior in 2013.