Threat Assessment Analysis for Workplace Violence Cases

One aspect of workplace violence prevention that employers must consider is premises liability. Legal ramifications for employers with a workplace violence prevention program and solid methods of threat assessment analysis are much less severe than for those who do not have such a program. Where there are people, there is bound to be aggravation and violence. The greater the number of employees and the greater the level of stress, the more likely there are to be eruptions of violence, which is the reason that threat assessment analysis is imperative. 

If violence occurs at the business location, the injury falls under premises liability. Legal suits pertaining to workplace violence number in the hundreds of thousands each year. Each year more than 1.7 million people are assaulted while at work and nearly 900 are murdered. In terms of law suits, the cost associated with workplace violence can quickly add up if a company is found responsible by premise liability. The legal system is less likely to find a company liable for injuries when there is a workplace violence prevention program in place. 

Employees must be encouraged to openly report any threats or acts of violence against them which is more likely to generate a greater number of reports.  It is critical to have a proven method of threat and risk assessment in order to direct resources to the most potentially violent situations. Without a system of threat and risk assessment, the time required to investigate threats can be as overwhelming. 

The Academy Group's workplace violence prevention programs include strategies for threat and risk assessment that are accepted in the criminal forensic industry. If faced with a charge of premises liability, legal obligations are generally considered met on the company's part if following proven, scientific methods of threat and risk assessment to organize their caseload.