Clinically assessed consequences of workplace physical violence

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Workplace violence poses significant risks to employee well-being.
• Understanding the long-term consequences and predictors is essential for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the consequences of physical violence at work.
• To identify predictors of these consequences.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 185 workplace violence victims was identified from medicolegal consultations (2007-2010).
• Eighty-six victims (47%) were re-contacted approximately 30 months post-assault.
• Ordinal logistic regression analyzed risk factors for physical, psychological, and work-related consequences using a severity score (0-9).

Main Results:

• Initial psychological distress strongly predicted long-term work and psychological consequences (p < 0.001).
• Lack of employer support was associated with higher severity scores.
• First-time violence predicted long-term consequences in high-risk awareness occupations (p = 0.004).

Conclusions:

• Workplace violence victims can experience enduring health and employment impacts.
• Severity of consequences is linked to initial psychological distress.
• Employer support is a key factor in preventing adverse outcomes.