Workplace Violence:

Workplace violence affects hundreds of thousands of workers each year. Workplace violence can result in injuries and death, property damage, and lost profits. It can cause emotional scars that last for years or a lifetime.

  • One in six violent crimes occurs in the workplace
  • 7% of all rapes, 8% of robberies and 16% of assaults occur at work
  • Of the approximately 3.2 million violent crimes in the workplace, about 500,000 victims lose an estimated 1.8 million workdays each year and 55 million dollars in wages, not including days covered by sick and annual leave.
Workplace violence comes in many forms and can strike any workplace. There is a common misconception that workplace violence is not preventable and is “just one of the costs of doing business”. The fact is that workplace violence is preventable. Knowing warning signs combined with thoughtful action can help prevent many occurrences of workplace violence.

The workplace violence prevention program is designed to teach workers, managers and business owners how to prevent violence in their workplace by:

  • Understanding the dangers
  • Recognizing the warning signs
  • Establishing policies and procedures
  • Responding appropriately if violence occurs

Proper training, along with a strong commitment to workplace violence prevention will make your workplace a safer, more productive environment.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit offers a workplace violence prevention program. This program provides information to help businesses reduce their chances of becoming a victim of workplace violence.

For further information contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (727) 582-5661.