Workplace homicides falling since 1994
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Annual workplace homicides have fallen more than 50% from a high of 1,080 in 1994, yet nonfatal incidents have seen an uptick, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Justice that aimed to identify indicators of workplace violence from 1992 to 2019.
In total, 17,865 workers were victims of workplace homicides over that 27-year period, according to the report. Eighty-two percent of the victims of workplace homicide were male and 46% of all victims were white. Black individuals accounted for 25% of workplace homicides and Hispanic individuals accounted for 16% of workplace homicides, according to the data.
Shootings made up 79% of workplace homicides. Stabbing, cutting, slashing and piercing accounted for 9% of workplace homicides. Other causes included hitting and kicking.
Time of day of workplace homicides were “of interest.” According to the data, during 2015-19, 19% of workplace homicides occurred from 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.; 49% from 8 a.m. to 7:59 p.m.; and 23% from midnight to 7:59 a.m.
The report also addressed nonfatal incidents, which increased from 2015 to 2019 due to increase in “simple assault,” which saw a 34% uptick over four years.
On average, 1.3 million nonfatal violent crimes in the workplace occurred annually from 1992 to 2019. Strangers committed 47% of nonfatal workplace violence, and female victims of nonfatal workplace violence were more likely to know the offender.
The offender was unarmed in 78% of nonfatal workplace violence, according to the data. The report also revealed that 15% of victims of nonfatal workplace violence reported severe emotional distress due to the crime.
