The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries reported that deaths due to workplace violence in 2009 reached the highest number in more than a decade in the state. There were 13 on-the-job homicides and seven workplace suicides last year, nearly a third of the 62 total fatalities resulting from work-related injuries in 2009.

In addition to the slayings last year of six law enforcement offices, others who died as a result of workplace violence included clerks in the retail business, a taxi driver, a musician and an armored car driver. “While deaths involving criminal activity may seem particularly hard to avoid, certain measures can reduce the risk that employees will become victims of violence in the workplace,” said Michael Silverstein, assistant director of the Department’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Workplace-violence prevention measures can include everything from environmental changes (such as improved lighting) to employee training (such as de-escalation techniques). Studies by the Labor and Industries Department have determined that most injuries due to workplace violence occur in jobs known to be high risk, such as those involving contact with the public, the exchange of money, working alone, and working late a night or very early in the morning.

Violence prevention plans and special training are also required for employees in health-care settings.

The Department has tips on coping with many violent and potentially violent situations, including robberies, abusive customers or co-workers, and domestic violence. Visit http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/AtoZ/WPV for help developing a workplace-violence prevention plan.