OSHA Issues Directive to Address Workplace Violence

OSHA recently issued a new directive, Enforcement Procedures for Investigating or Inspecting Incidents of Workplace Violence, that establishes uniform procedures for OSHA field staff for responding to incidents and complaints of workplace violence and conducting inspections in industries considered vulnerable to workplace violence.

Workplace violence is a serious recognized occupational hazard, ranking among the top four causes of death in workplaces during the past 15 years. More than 3,000 people died from workplace homicide between 2006 and 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS data also shows that more than 15,000 nonfatal workplace injury cases were reported annually during this time.

OSHA launched a new Workplace Violence Web page and has published several workplace violence guidance documents including Recommendations for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs in Late-Night Retail Establishments and Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Health Care and Social Service Workers.