Examining violence in the workplace. A look at work-related fatalities

This study identified only 6 out of a possible 33 homicide classifications for workplace violent crime. As expected, the largest number of offenders represented authority killings. Half that number, however, had the largest number of victims and were classified as nonspecific homicide. Interestingly, there is a high number of domestic homicides occurring in the workplace. One could speculate that as families break up, addresses and telephone numbers easily can be changed--but not necessarily employment. Victims are sought out at their places of employment and killed there. Argument/conflict homicides, which were expected to be high, accounted for only 7 homicides. Another important finding was the large number of suicides in this offender group. An important implication of this study for nurses is that violence in the workplace sometimes can be anticipated and possibly deterred. Hospitals and other facilities--with proper preparation and training of employees, and implementation of strict protocols--can become safer workplaces. In the event that workplace violence does occur, however, the nurse can be prepared--and perhaps save his or her life.