Workplace violence prevention is something often handled by the training and development arm of the human resources department. Workplace violence occurs more than you probably think. A great deal of it occurs without anyone ever knowing, especially if the assault is happening between a manager and his or her subordinate. Out of fear for losing his or her job, many employees never step forward and blow the whistle on workplace violence.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) came out with a recent report on workplace violence and the data was unsettling. In 1994, 1,071 workplace homicides occurred, which included 179 supervisors or proprietors in retail sales, 105 cashiers, 49 managers in hotels or restaurants, 86 taxi-cab drivers, 70 police officers, and 76 security guards. These numbers have propelled many businesses to incorporate some form of workplace violence prevention.

Workplace Violence Prevention Can Save Lives

Over a million workers are assaulted every year. If you break down the numbers by week, approximately 21 workers are slain and 18,000 assaulted every week while on the job. Being assaulted or attacked should not be an issue one faces at work. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment for their employees.

Much of this workplace violence can be curtailed in the pre-employment screening process. As we all know, work can be incredibly stressful at times and many of us have lost our tempers while on the job. It happens. It's what people do when they lose their tempers that presents the crisis. The hiring process should include thorough background checks. A violent person probably has a criminal record and a thorough background check would reveal such a conviction. Employers should also included sensitivity training for workplace violence prevention.