Violence in the workplace and ergonomic prevention

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Farrah Choe,

Affiliations: 833 Wiliwili Street, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA. Tel.: +1 808 956 1394; E-mail: farchoe@bu.edu

Abstract: There is a growing problem of violence in the workplace that should not be ignored. An estimated 6,359 deaths occur per year in the workplace [8] and an average one million each year are assaulted while at work [3]. Workplace violence is detrimental to both the employer and employee. It causes decreased worker productivity which results in monetary loss for businesses and the worker. Prevention programs can and should be implemented to address workplace violence. Prevention strategies that incorporate ergonomic and occupational therapy concepts can increase work productivity and job satisfaction. Certain occupations, such as health care and social service workers, are at a high risk for violence in the workplace. Violence in the workplace may never be eliminated, but steps can be taken to hinder the problem from growing.

Keywords: occupational therapy, health care and social services, work productivity

Journal: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 159-164, 2000