According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 95% of the 7.1 million U.S. employers reported at least one act of some type of workplace violence in 2006. These acts may include anything from assault, armed robbery to even homicide. With the recent bloodbath at Virginia Tech, where two professors died, and another homicide at Delphi in Michigan many managers and business owners wonder what they can do to reduce the chance of violence in their workplace.

The reasons why a business owner or manager may desire to change their business strategy to protect their employees is many. These reasons range from the obvious to such as protecting human life to the not so obvious such as protecting your business assets. One fatal death that could have been prevented by an employer could bankrupt your company. Prevention is the biggest deterrent.

1.) Take as much cash out of the process as possible: Robbery is one type of workplace violence. By regularly removing cash and depositing it in a safe location there is less attractiveness in robbery. Debit card and credit card use could be implemented instead of cash.

2.) Physical Separation from the Public: In high risk areas such as urban ghettos and the desolate countryside it may be necessary to separate workers from the public. This can be done through bulletproof glass, security systems that slam up a protective barrier and locking of backdoors.

3.) Make it likely they will get caught: By installing lights, noise & light alarm systems, instant notification to authorities and cameras you are increasing both the chances that the perpetrator will get caught and that he/she will not engage in a violent act. A perpetrator knowing that he/she will become responsible for their actions is a deterrent.

4.) Background checks: In many positions violence may come from other co-workers. In such cases many times a violent criminal is unknowingly hired because a background check has not been conducted. The typical cost of such a check is anywhere from $25 to $75 and is well worth its price in terms of asset and employee protection.

5.) Workplace Policy: One of the best ways to protect your business from the aftermath of violence is to write a policy that has a 0 tolerance for “violent acts, suicide, threats, weapons, etc.). Terminate anyone who violates this policy. These policies will work in conjunction with sexual harassment, workplace harassment, equal opportunity, etc. policies. Many “would be” perpetrators will break these policies long before they resort to violence.

Murad Ali is a three time business author, a doctoral candidate, and a human resource professional. http://www.thenewbusinessworld.blogspot.com