Workplace violence remains a serious concern, impacting employee safety, well-being, and mental health while also posing financial, operational, and reputational risks. Managing a prevention program can feel overwhelming on top of daily operations. The good news? More valuable data is emerging, and a growing network of resources is making it easier to address these challenges. Help is available.

The recently released National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2023 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides a clearer picture of where workplace fatalities are occurring and which industries and demographics are most affected.

Breaking Down the Numbers: What the Data Reveals

Total fatalities due to violent acts in 2023: 740 deaths
- Homicides accounted for 61.9% of these incidents
Demographic trends:
- Women accounted for 18.3% of homicides, despite representing only 8.5% of total workplace fatalities.
- Workers aged 25-34 had the highest number of homicides (121 deaths).

Industries Most Affected:

Retail Trade (123 fatalities) – Likely linked to frequent cash handling, public access, and customer disputes.

Leisure & Hospitality (100 fatalities) – Potentially due to high customer interaction, exposure to intoxicated individuals, and late-night shifts.

Transportation & Warehousing (91 fatalities) – May stem from deliveries, cargo theft, road rage incidents, and customer disputes.

Construction (46 fatalities) – Possibly related to job site conflicts, subcontractor disputes, and vulnerabilities at worksites.

By understanding these patterns, leaders can take proactive, industry-specific measures to reduce risks. While the exact causes of violent incidents may vary, implementing clear policies and comprehensive training programs can play a crucial role in prevention and mitigation.

Key Takeaways: What This Means for Organizations & Leaders

Retail and service industries see higher rates of homicides- Businesses in these sectors should evaluate whether their security protocols, training programs, and employee protection measures align with the risks they face.
Younger workers (ages 25-34) are disproportionately affected- Could this be due to their roles, level of training, or shifts they work? Are we providing younger employees with the same level of training as their older colleagues?
Not all violence comes from outside threats- While robbery-related incidents make headlines, many violent incidents stem from workplace disputes, terminations, or unresolved conflicts.

It’s essential for organizations to equip employees with effective de-escalation tools. While physical security measures are important, workplace culture also plays a crucial role in security and safety.

Employees need to feel comfortable reporting potential threats before they escalate into violence. By critically assessing their current security measures and identifying potential gaps, organizations can take proactive steps to reduce workplace violence risks and create a safer environment at work.

How Organizations Can Reduce the Threat of Workplace Violence

Conduct Risk Assessments: Identify vulnerabilities in physical security, emergency response plans, and employee protocols.

Invest in Workplace Violence Awareness and De-Escalation Training: Ensure frontline employees, especially in high-exposure industries, are trained in identifying, reporting, conflict resolution, and handling aggressive behaviors.

Strengthen Security Measures: Improve countermeasures like access control, alarms, and emergency response plans, among other things.

Encourage Early Threat Reporting: Many violent incidents escalate from unaddressed concerns: having an anonymous reporting system and clear response procedures is crucial because solving issues at the lowest possible level is key to preventing violence

Review Termination Policies: Sensitive terminations or personnel actions (such as those involving previous threats or grievances) should be handled with security in mind.

Practical, actionable insights enable organizations to make a difference now, rather than simply reacting to incidents after they occur. These steps empower leaders, HR teams, and security professionals to take a proactive approach to prevention.

For regular updates on security trends and strategies, follow us. And whether your organization is looking to refine an existing security program or build one from the ground up, we’re always just a click away.

About TAL Global

TAL Global specializes in security consulting and risk management, offering tailored solutions for your organization. Our experts are recognized thought leaders in conducting comprehensive risk assessments, developing strategic plans, and delivering engaging training programs.

With decades of experience and successful interventions, we have consistently protected people and assets. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube for tips and strategies. You can also Talk To Us for more custom-made, expert solutions.