BLS: Workplace Homicides Drop to Lowest Number on Record
From 2005 to 2006, workplace homicides decreased 9 percent, to 516, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 2006 figure was the lowest annual homicide total ever reported by the fatality census. Overall, workplace homicides have decreased more than 50 percent from the series high in 1994, which saw 1,080 homicides.
According to a study posted on the BLS Web site, www.bls.gov, the highest risk for workplace homicide is observed among males, the self-employed, and those employed in grocery stores, eating and drinking establishments, gas service stations, taxicab services, and government service, including law enforcement. The majority of workplace homicides occur during robberies. In general, workers engaged in an occupation in which cash transactions take place are at greatest risk.
BLS began keeping workplace homicide statistics in 1992, a year in which it counted 1,044 workplace homicides. The total of 643 workplace homicides the agency counted for 2001 excludes fatalities from the September 11 terrorist attacks. Data for 2006 are preliminary.