Work

Non‐robbery‐related occupational homicides in the retail industry, 2003–2008

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine non-robbery-related occupational homicides in the retail industry from 2003 to 2008. METHODS: Data were abstracted from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Motive (robbery- or non-robbery-related) and workplace violence (WPV) typology (Type I-IV) were assigned using narrative text fields. Non-robbery-related homicide rates were calculated and compared among WPV types, demographic characteristics, and occupation. RESULTS: Twenty-eight percent of homicides that occurred in the retail industry were non-robbery-related. The leading event associated with non-robbery-related homicides was Type II (perpetrated by customers) (34%), followed by Type IV (perpetrated by personal relationship) (31%). The majority of homicides were due to arguments (50%). Security guards and workers in drinking establishments had the highest homicide rates per 100,000 workers (14.3 and 6.0, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Non-robbery-related homicides comprised a meaningful proportion of workplace homicides in the retail industry. Research is needed to develop strategies to prevent non-robbery-related homicides specifically.

Source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine

DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22283

Authors: Srinivas Konda, Hope M. Tiesman, Scott Hendricks, Kelly K. Gurka

Institutions: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, West Virginia University

Language: English

Topic: Workplace Violence and Bullying

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health