Dive Brief:
- Workplace violence is in the spotlight after two journalists were shot and killed by a former disgruntled co-worker in Virginia on Wednesday, reports ABC News.
- 2013 statistics show more than 400 people were murdered at work, but 26,000 were seriously injured.
- Women are the top target of disgruntled workers. Homicide is the second leading cause of death for females in the workplace, right behind roadway accidents.
Dive Insight:
Unfortunately, it's impossible to predict and prevent the deadly violence that on rare occasions erupts from workplace disputes, but managers and coworkers can defuse many difficult situations before they turn tragic, experts said in an NBC News report.
Experts stress that preventative measures -- including training of employees and managers, providing counseling services and conducting regular performance evaluations based on objective criteria -- must be in place and utilized early, before a relatively minor issue can spiral out of control, according to NBC.
Randy Ferris, cofounder of Violence Prevention Strategies, told NBC that employers must provide training on behavioral warning signs to their employees and provide them with a secure and anonymous vehicle by which they can report their concerns to management.
