Workplace violence can be generally defined as verbal or physical assault or any violence that happens at work or while on duty.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 57,610 nonfatal cases of workplace violence in 2021-2022. These incidents required days away from work, job restriction or transfer. Of those victims who experienced trauma from workplace violence: 72.5% were female with an annualized incidence rate of 5 cases per 10,000 full-time workers, compared to 1.4 cases per 10,000 male workers.
Violence can occur in any workplace and among any type of worker, but the risk for fatal violence is greater for workers in protective services and transportation and material moving, while the risk for nonfatal violence resulting in days away from work is greatest for healthcare and social assistance workers.