OSHA's tips to reduce late-night work violence
The number of employees murdered or injured on the job during robberies and other violent acts could be reduced significantly by following a set of guidelines offered by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in Washington, DC, the agency says.
The guidelines offer a "common-sense approach" to stemming risks of working late night jobs in retail establishments, says U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman. The agency developed the guidelines because homicide is the No. 1 killer of women in the workplace and the second leading cause for all American workers. Of those homicides, 48% occur in retail settings, with the risk greatest for those working in liquor stores, convenience stores, and gas stations.
Exchange of money at night poses danger
OSHA's research shows employees are at greatest risk when they are involved in the exchange of money, have routine contact with the public, work alone or in small numbers, work late or very early hours, and work in high crime areas. Murders accounted for 13.5% of occupational-related deaths in the United States between 1980 and 1994, according to data released by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
A violence prevention program must consider the particulars of the workplace, but OSHA says these are some recommendations that will apply to most situations:
1. Take the risk seriously.
All violent and threatening incidents should be taken seriously and management should develop a plan that includes working with police to improve physical security.
2. Conduct a work site analysis.
Identify the risk factors present, such as working alone. The analysis also should include a review of past incidents, a security review, and periodic safety audits.
3. Control hazards.
Once hazards are identified, take proper steps to minimize them. These steps may include improved lighting, video surveillance systems, drop safes, and physical barriers. Businesses also should limit areas of customer access, increase staff levels at night, establish emergency communication procedures, and develop procedures for both staff and management to follow after an incident.
Greater visibility increases safety
One important way to control hazards is to improve visibility by providing adequate lighting and installing mirrors. Also keep signs and shelves low so visibility is not impaired. Consider providing silent and personal alarms.
Customer access can be reduced by limiting store hours and closing portions of a store. Employees should be especially careful when going to remote, isolated spots such as garbage areas and outdoor freezers. Staffing should be increased during high-risk periods, and bullet-resistant enclosures can provide protection for staff at high risk.
4. Train and educate.
Employees, supervisors, and security personnel must be trained and educated about potential hazards and how to protect themselves and others at work.
[For more on how to protect employees from workplace violence, obtain a copy of OSHA publication #31531 by calling (202) 219-4667.]
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