Unfortunately, workplace violence injures many American employees, including those in Northwest Pennsylvania. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data on these incidents just as it does for other injury causes. The data reveals patterns of violence that lawmakers can use to provide better protection for all U.S. workers.
The statistics provided by the BLS are troubling. Studying this data could improve your situational awareness and help you avoid violence at work.
Injury and workplace violence facts
In 2019, nearly 20,900 private industry employees suffered injuries caused by workplace violence. The BLS broke the data into the following categories.
- 68% were women
- 65% were between the ages of 25 and 54
- 70% worked in the social services and health care industries
- 21% missed more than 30 days of work while recovering
The data suggests that women working in healthcare and social services should practice caution while working and be vigilant to signs of violence.
Fatal workplace violence incidents
Unfortunately, 453 American workers lost their lives to workplace violence in 2018. According to the published data:
- 82% were men
- 66% were between 25 and 54 years old
- 47% were Caucasian
- 19% were performing protective services
- 20% were working in sales-related industries
The data suggests that men working in protective services (police officers, etc.) and sales should also remain vigilant against escalating anger and violence.
You might not know this, but workers’ compensation covers workplace injuries suffered through occupational violence. If your employer tells you that harm caused by violence does not qualify, consider seeking more information about workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania. After a violent assault at work, these benefits help you recover physically and psychologically.
