Violence in the Workplace: Establishing the Nexus Between Security Practices and Premises Liability

• NCJ Number: 132302
• Journal: Journal of Security Administration Volume: 13 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (December 1990) Pages: 19-35
• Author(s): R J Meadows
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Several risk predictors related to violence in the workplace have been identified. These include, inter alia, reported complaints and intrusions, previous third party threats, 24-hour operation, public access, availability of alcoholic beverages, environmental design factors, clientele characteristics, availability of police response, and lack of security response or profile.

Abstract

Businesses that are at high risk need to take a protective stance to reduce the potential for violence. The duty of care requirement relates to the provision of reasonable premises security and management employment or personnel practices. However, reasonable security is situational and depends on risk factors associated with foreseeability and notice. In liability suits brought against workplaces, a jury will ultimately decide whether one or more of the risk factors listed above presented a duty of care for the employer. 1 table and 11 references