Workplace Accident Lawyer Finds Too Much Violence at Work

Close to two million Americans every year report having been subjected to violence at work, and of the 4,547 people who were killed in fatal work accidents in 2010, 506 fatalities were homicides. Homicide is the fourth-leading cause of workplace fatalities for employees in general, but for women it is the first cause.

Whether workplace violence takes the form of acts or threats, physical violence or harassment, it puts many North Carolina workers at risk and under stress.

Where is workplace violence more likely to happen?

Research has shown that certain work sites are far more likely to attract violence than others, even though no place is entirely safe. Factors increasing the likelihood of violence are:

• Cash sales and exchange of money with the public;
• Working alone or in isolated places;
• Providing service and care;
• Working in places where alcohol is served or permitted;
• Working through the night;
• Working in high-crime zones.

What can victims of workplace violence do?

Employers have a duty, under federal and state laws, to provide a safe work environment for their employees, and this includes protection from violent acts and threats. If workers have reasons to believe their job puts them at an unacceptable risk of violent acts or threats, they may file a complaint to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). They can tell OSHA not to tell their employer who filed the complaint, and the employer is prohibited from retaliating against the worker.

If you have suffered a work accident, call Accidental Injury Advocates Ltd. in Elizabeth City locally 757-455-8889 or toll-free 888-694-1671 or send us an e-mail for a FREE, no commitment discussion of your case. Attorney Joseph Miller, Esq has been representing injured North Carolina workers for over 20 years. Download now his FREE lawyer books The Nine Biggest Myths About North Carolina Workplace Injuries, or  The NC Workers Compensation Guide To Settlements.