Physical attack or assault in death or physical injury of an employee in a place of business is the standard definition of workplace violence. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defined workplace violence in 1991 as any physical assault, threatening behavior or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting. These violent acts include homicide, forcible sex offenses, kidnapping, assault, robbery, menacing, reckless endangerment, harassment, disorderly conduct, berating language, physical or verbal threats or vandalism of personal property. About the only thing that is not included (and sometimes is) in the definition of workplace violence is terrorism.
             Violence in the work place has become an epidemic. Not only is workplace violence increasing in those workplaces where violence is expected, such as corrections, enforcement, and mental health, but it has become a danger in almost every occupation that deals with the public.
             Is the "disgruntled worker" the center of workplace violence? News reports of violent workplace incidents often stress acts of an individual that is enraged, aggravated, irritated or frustrated for one reason or another, either personal or professional, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Most people believe that there are violent individuals in the world and that if we could just identify who they are, we could protect ourselves from them by not hiring them.
             Violence causes immediate and often long-term disruption to interpersonal relationships, the organization of work and the overall working environment. Employers bear the direct cost of lost work and improved security measures. Incidents of violence in the workplace also result in increased costs due to medical and legal expenses, increased stress levels among staff and an overall negative impact on employee morale. Indirect costs include reduced efficiency and productivity, loss in product quality, loss of comp...