FACTS

Risks associated with workplace violence at a restaurant:

1. Physical injury: Workplace violence can lead to physical injury, ranging from minor bruises to serious injuries or even death. This risk is particularly high for restaurant employees who work with sharp knives, hot stoves, and other potentially dangerous equipment.
2. Psychological trauma: Workplace violence can cause psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. These can have long-term effects on employees’ well-being and job performance.
3. Decreased employee morale: Workplace violence can lower employee morale, making it difficult for employees to feel safe and motivated at work. This can lead to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover.
4. Damage to the restaurant’s reputation: Workplace violence can damage the reputation of a restaurant, especially if the incident is reported in the media or on social media.
5. Legal and financial consequences: Workplace violence can result in legal and financial consequences for the restaurant, including lawsuits, fines, and legal fees.
6. Decreased productivity: Workplace violence can also lead to decreased productivity, as employees may be too traumatized or distracted to perform their job duties effectively.

STATS

• In 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 37 homicides and 139 nonfatal assaults and violent acts in the restaurant and food service industry.
• A survey conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that 64% of restaurant workers reported being subjected to some form of workplace violence during their career.
• According to a report by the National Restaurant Association, 58% of restaurant employees have reported experiencing verbal harassment, and 45% reported experiencing sexual harassment.
• In a survey conducted by the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, 90% of women and 70% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment in the workplace.
• In 2019, there were approximately 30,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the restaurant industry that were caused by violent acts.
• According to a survey by the National Restaurant Association, 44% of restaurant workers have experienced some form of verbal abuse, and 9% have experienced physical violence at work.