Workplace violence spans a wide range of behaviors—from threats and verbal abuse to physical assault and homicide.
Using the most recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) assault case data, workplace assaults show a clear upward trend: increasing at an annualized rate of 5.3% per year from 2011 to 2021–22.
In this brief, the first installment of NCCI’s series Workplace Violence, we explore nonfatal workplace assaults as captured in the BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII). We also examine potential trends, drivers, and demographics pertaining to nonfatal workplace assaults.
KEY FINDINGS
- Workplace assault measures have increased steadily from 2011 to 2021–22:
- Assaults increased at an average annual rate of 5.3%.
- The rate of workplace assaults per 10,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers increased by 62%.
- The share of assaults among all of the BLS’ Days Away From Work (DAFW) cases increased from 1.3% in 2011 to a peak of 2.3% in 2019.
- Assault cases are most heavily concentrated in the health care and social assistance NAICS sector. The number of annual assaults in this sector is 10 times the number of assaults in the next largest NAICS sector, retail trade.
- Women tend to experience an elevated risk of workplace assault.
- Workers aged 20 to 34 experience a disproportionate number of assaults.
- Hitting, kicking, and beating by another person accounts for nearly 93% of all workplace assaults.
Up Next
The second article in the Workplace Violence series will explore workplace fatality trends, drivers, and demographics.
To explore the full findings and data analysis, read the
complete report.
Connect with the authors if you have questions or want to gain additional insights.
This article is provided solely as a reference tool to be used for informational purposes only. The information in this article shall not be construed or interpreted as providing legal or any other advice. Use of this article for any purpose other than as set forth herein is strictly prohibited.