Source
2005 National Injury Prevention and Control Conference, May 9-11, 2005, Denver, Colorado. Atlanta, GA: Centers and Disease Control and Prevention, 2005 May; :105
Abstract
The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported 8,672 workplace homicide victims between 1992 and 2001. Although rarely calculated for homicides, cost estimates are important for prevention and research efforts. Societal costs were estimated using the cost-of-illness approach applied to CFOI data. The cost calculation model incorporated medical expenses, wages, and household production losses. Results: Workplace homicides, during the 10-year period, had a total cost of nearly $6.5 billion dollars (1999 dollars) and a mean cost of $800,000. The retail trade industry division had the highest number of homicides (3,637) and total cost $2.1 billion for males and $556,000 for females. Within the occupation division classifications, the highest estimated total cost of work-related homicides was in the technical, sales, and administrative support classification with a total cost of just over $2 billion. The burden on society of workplace homicides measured using the cost-of-illness approach is substantial. These estimates of the cost of work-related homicides can be used to improve occupational injury prevention and control program planning, prioritizing research needs, policy analysis, evaluation of safety and health interventions, and advocacy for a safer work environment. The participants will be able to: 1. Define the societal burden of occupational homicide 2. Describe the burden as it relates to selected occupations and industries 3. Identify potential areas for implementing workplace violence prevention interventions.