Assessing an Employee's Threat of Violence By Stephen Heidel, MD, MBA Scope of the Problem Employers are now alert to incidents of workplace violence committed by one of their employees or a former employee. In fact, many employers are concerned by these acts and are taking steps to manage threats as they arise and before serious harm occurs.
Violence is now the second leading cause of death in the workplace.
There is a common myth that an employee who becomes violent just snaps without any warning or clues in advance of their violent acts. This is not the case. The following are examples of warning signs made by employees. A man fell in love with a female co-worker. Initially the female showed interest then rebuffed him.