Research in Assessing Levels of Threat

Each year in the United States, more than 700 workers are killed (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015) and nearly 7 million experience a nonfatal assault while at work (Schat et al., 2006). Nearly 30% of U.S. workplaces experiencing a violent event report heightened fear among employees, decreased morale and productivity, and higher turnover (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006). Workplace violence is repeatedly reported by businesses as a leading security threat (Securitas, 2015), and it is estimated that millions of dollars are spent each year on lost productivity, medical claims, and litigation.