Workplace violence — Tennessee

Workplace violence is a significant problem in today’s businesses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there have been slightly more than 450 workplace homicides each year from 2017 to 2019. There was a dramatic decline to 392 in 2020, but this may be due more to business shutdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic rather than any other factor. While men comprise the majority of workplace homicides, around 16% of all workplace deaths occurring to women were due to homicide in 2020. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that nearly two million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year. Along with the disruption to business activities, victims and their families experience a significant emotional toll. Additionally, the potential for employer liability is increasing under a number of novel legal theories.

Protecting against workplace violence

Employer responsibility can be assessed under any or all of the following:

• Negligent hiring - The employer will be held liable if the victim can prove that the employer knew or should have known at the time of hiring that the employee was potentially dangerous, or incapable of performing the job....
  
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