Updated OSHA Guidance Aims to Protect Late-Night Retail Workers from Workplace Violence

Jan. 27, 2010
OSHA recently updated its guidance document “Recommendations for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs in Late-Night Retail Establishments” that addresses issues causing late-night retail workers to be killed on the job.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, 167 retail trade workers were killed in 2007. Nearly half of these were employed in late-night establishments such as gasoline stations, liquor and convenience stores. Of these worker deaths, 39 killed were convenience store employees, 32 worked at gasoline stations and 7 worked at liquor stores.

“The number of retail workers who died as a result of workplace violence has declined over the past 10 years – from 286 in 1998 to 167 in 2007. This decline is encouraging, but not good enough,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. “Workers should not go to work fearing they won’t live through the day.”

The violence prevention information presented in this document builds on OSHA’s “Recommendations for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs in Late-Night Retail Establishments,” published in 1998. The updated recommendations identify risk factors and describe feasible solutions. Although not exhaustive, these workplace violence guidelines include policy recommendations and practical corrective methods to help prevent and mitigate the effects of workplace violence in late-night retail establishments.

The document can be downloaded as a PDF at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3153.pdf.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!