Workplace Violence and Cyber Crime Prevention

With increased rates of workplace violence and violent trends increasing in society as a whole, more and more focus has been place on workplace safety. Workplace violence can stem from several different causes and is detrimental to the work environment. This research looks at the different types of workplace violence, the causes of workplace violence, and some viable solutions to mitigate the violence. THE PROBLEM In recent years, workplace violence has been a topic of much debate and criticism. Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence against workers. It can occur at or outside the workplace and can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide, one of the leading causes of job-related deaths (OSHA, 2002). The number of workplace homicides in 2009 was 542 which represent a 3 % rise from 2008 totals (Bureau of Labor Statistic, 2011). Those most vulnerable to workplace violence are those who exchange money with the public, deliver goods or services, or work alone or in small groups during late night hours in areas with high crime rates (OSHA, 2002). There are four different types of workplace violence. Type I are violent acts made by criminals who have no connection with the workplace, but enter to commit robbery or another crime. This type of violence, in which criminals are unconnected with the workplace accounts for around 80 % of workplace homicides. In these cases the motive is usually theft and the criminal is carrying a gun or other weapon, which increases the chances a victim will be killed or wounded (Federal Bureau of Investigation 2002). Type II is violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or any others for whom an organization provides services. This type of violence occurs regularly in some occupations such as police officers or correctional officers but for other occupations, the violent reactions by clients are unpredictable. These acts can be triggered by an argument, anger at the quality or denial of service or some other hastening event (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2002)