News Release USDL: 96-437
Thursday, October 17, 1996
Contact: Lola DeGroff, (202) 219-8151

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is allowing additional time to comment on its draft "Guidelines for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs for Night Retail Establishments." Comments on the draft are now due by Dec. 4.

OSHA issued the draft guidelines in April and this is the second time it has extended its original deadline for comments. The draft offers both policy recommendations and practical suggestions to help employers prevent workplace attacks against employees. They address the six risk factors usually present in night retail establishments:

• exchange of money with the public

• working alone or in small numbers

• working late at night or during early morning hours

• working in high-crime areas

• guarding valuable property or possessions, or

• working in community settings

The guidelines recommend the following elements common to a good safety and health program: management commitment and employee involvement; worksite analysis; hazard prevention and control; and training and education.

Workplace violence is the leading cause of occupational fatalities for working women and the second leading cause for men, according to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. In March, OSHA issued final guidelines for preventing workplace violence in the health care and social service industries.

On Nov. 4, OSHA officials will host a forum with key stakeholders to discuss workplace violence in night retail establishments. The forum, to be held in the Department of Labor Frances Perkins Building in Washington, D.C., is by invitation only.

Send comments on the draft by December 4, 1996 to:
Patricia D. Biles
Workplace Violence Program Coordinator
Department of Labor/OSHA
200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Room N3107
Washington D.C. 20210