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Preventing Violence In The Small-Business Workplace

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, an estimated 2 million Americans are victims of violence in the workplace each year.

The suffering that follows a violent incident is not just limited to individuals. The health of your business can also take a hit in the wake of workplace violence, with effects that range from lost revenue to decreased productivity.

Those negative effects are perhaps most deeply felt by small businesses, which can take more time to recover than their larger counterparts.

When it comes to violence prevention, a proactive approach is best. Unfortunately, too many business owners falsely assume their establishment is immune from threat, not realizing their mistake until it’s too late.

This article explores suggestions designed to insulate your small business from occupational violence. When you and your employees feel safe, you can focus on what’s most important: the work.

Thwarting The Bad Guys

When most people hear the words “workplace violence,” their thoughts turn to mass murders committed by unhinged employees.

But the high-profile cases we hear about in the media aren’t representative of the threats faced by most small businesses.

The people who are most likely to bring violence into your place of business are actually strangers—thugs who plan to commit crimes like robbery or rape. According to a 2001 report issued by the University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center, criminal intent accounts for 85 percent of occupational violence.

Crooks are less likely to target your business if you pay attention to details. Consider consulting with a security expert who has been trained to spot problem areas. Business practices (such as hours of operation) and physical characteristics (like lighting and location) are critical considerations.

Small businesses such as shops that are open to the public—especially those that keep cash on the premises—might need to take special steps to ensure workers’ safety.


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