OSHA cites employer for unsafe workplace after employee shot during robbery

There’s no federal workplace violence prevention standard, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations don’t expressly address workplace violence. Yet, after a convenience store employee was shot during a robbery attempt, OSHA cited the employer for not doing enough to protect its workforce.

Background

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, robberies are the leading cause of death for retail workers. The likelihood of violent acts occurring at convenience stores is often higher because of their late hours, reduced staffing, and other factors.

Aimed at improving employees’ safety, OSHA’s “Recommendations for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs in Late-Night Retail Establishments” publication suggests that such retailers can minimize their risks by taking steps like installing cash register barriers or enclosures, drop safe or cash management devices, and proper lighting and security cameras both inside and outside their stores, as well as posting signage indicating their checkout registers contain less than $50 in cash.

Shootings at Circle K