In September, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new compliance directives on workplace violence. The new directives are intended for OSHA field agents to use when investigating incidents. The new directives became effective September 8.

"Workplace violence is a serious recognized occupational hazard, ranking among the top four causes of death in workplaces during the past 15 years. More than 3,000 people died from workplace homicide between 2006 and 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Additional BLS data indicate that an average of more than 15,000 nonfatal workplace injury cases was reported annually during this time."

Two Australian states have also recently released guidance regarding workplace violence. New South Wales offers Workplace Violence Prevention Strategies for Your Business [PDF], and Queensland has published a guidance page on occupational violence.

Download our free eBook, Proactive Strategies for Promoting a Safe and Respectful Workplace.

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