The term "going postal" originated from a 1986 incident in Edmond, Oklahoma, where a postal worker named Patrick Sherrill killed 14 people and wounded six others at his workplace. The phrase has since become a colloquialism for workplace violence, particularly mass shootings. According to the FBI, workplace violence is "any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the workplace."
While it's impossible to predict with certainty who will commit workplace violence, there are some warning signs that may indicate a person is at risk. These include:
If you're concerned that someone at work may be planning to commit workplace violence, there are a few things you can do:
There are a number of things that employers can do to prevent workplace violence, including:
Workplace violence is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. However, there are a number of things that employers and employees can do to prevent workplace violence. By working together, we can create a safe and supportive work environment for everyone.
According to the FBI, there were 50 active shooter incidents in the United States in 2021. Of these incidents, 14 occurred in the workplace. The FBI predicts that the number of workplace shootings will continue to increase in the coming years.
In order to prevent workplace violence, it is important for employers and employees to be aware of the warning signs and to take steps to create a safe and supportive work environment. By working together, we can help to prevent workplace violence and create a safer workplace for everyone.
5 Terrifying Signs That You're About to Go Postal Near Me in 2025
Year | Number of Workplace Shootings |
---|---|
2016 | 38 |
2017 | 40 |
2018 | 45 |
2019 | 47 |
2020 | 49 |
2021 | 50 |
Warning Sign | Description |
---|---|
History of violence | Individuals who have a history of violence, either in the workplace or outside of it, are more likely to engage in workplace violence again. |
Mental health issues | People with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may be more likely to experience workplace violence. |
Job dissatisfaction | Employees who are unhappy with their jobs, feel underappreciated, or are experiencing financial difficulties may be more likely to engage in workplace violence. |
Workplace bullying | Employees who are bullied or harassed at work may be more likely to experience workplace violence. |
Access to weapons | Individuals who have access to weapons, either at work or at home, are more likely to engage in workplace violence. |
Prevention Strategy | Description |
---|---|
Creating a safe and supportive work environment | Employers can create a safe and supportive work environment by providing employees with access to resources such as employee assistance programs (EAPs) and grievance procedures. |
Encouraging employees to report concerns | Employers can encourage employees to report concerns about workplace violence by providing them with anonymous reporting mechanisms. |
Providing training on workplace violence | Employers can provide training on workplace violence to help employees recognize the warning signs of workplace violence and how to respond to it. |
Limiting access to weapons | Employers can limit access to weapons in the workplace by implementing security measures such as metal detectors and bag checks. |
Question | Response |
---|---|
What are the warning signs of workplace violence? | The warning signs of workplace violence include a history of violence, mental health issues, job dissatisfaction, workplace bullying, and access to weapons. |
What can employers do to prevent workplace violence? | Employers can prevent workplace violence by creating a safe and supportive work environment, encouraging employees to report concerns, providing training on workplace violence, and limiting access to weapons. |
What can employees do if they are concerned about someone who may be planning to commit workplace violence? | Employees who are concerned about someone who may be planning to commit workplace violence should talk to the person they are concerned about, report their concerns to management, or call the police. |
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