WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Employers have a duty to provide a safe and secure work environment and are vicariously liable for the actions of their employees; past and present.  Workplace Violence can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical abuse and worse.  Virtually all companies are at risk, but for some the risk may be higher.  This includes those that exchange money with the public, operate late at night / early morning, provide delivery services,  operate in high crime areas, etc.  Threats can come from criminals, disgruntled employees, angry customers, stalkers and other violence-prone individuals.  It is a growing concern and should not be ignored. The financial toll imposed by a Workplace Violence occurrence depends on the incident.  Company expenses can include counseling, costs to hire independent security consultants, public relations experts, death benefits, business interruption expenses and compensation claims.  And since Workers Compensation policies typically exclude acts of lethal force or threat of lethal force, a Workplace Violence policy is a necessity. Coverage can be designed to include: Broad definition of workplace violence Expense Coverage for workplace violence events Coverage for loss of business income Death benefits Crisis management Worldwide coverage "Employee stress such as work environment, deadlines, personal life, etc. can't always be identified or reduced by the employer, but you can (and should) be prepared." Tonya C. Hollederer, RPLU, ASLI Vice President / Senior Broker thollederer@RussellBond.com  Cell Ph: (716) 725-7451   866 Ellicott Square Bldg.  |  295 Main Street  |  Buffalo  |  NY  |  14203 1670 Whitehorse - Hamilton Square Road  |  Hamilton  |  NJ  |  08690 233 College Highway  |  Southampton  |  MA  |  01073 800.333.7226  |  www.RussellBond.com  |  Fax: 800.677.6779