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Archived News Release--Caution: information may be out of date.

OSHA Press Release: Deadline to Submit Comments on OSHA Draft Guidelines On Night Retail Violence Extended Again [10/17/1996]

For more information call: (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

The draft "Guidelines for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs for Night Retail Establishments" is available on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov under "What's New." Single printed copies can be obtained by sending a self-addressed label to: OSHA Publications, P.O. Box 37535, Washington D.C. 20013-7535, calling telephone (202) 219-4667 or faxing request to (20l2) 219-9266.

Archived News Release--Caution: information may be out of date.