Abstract
The surveillance and investigation of work related homicides conducted through the California Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program were discussed. Surveillance was based on multiple sources, such as coroners' reports, death certificates, newspaper articles, OSHA reports, and employer reports. Investigations of selected cases were also conducted. Surveillance and investigation efforts were limited to Los Angeles and surrounding counties. From 1992 to 1994, the California FACE program discovered 444 work related fatalities and performed 31 on site investigations. Over this period, 47% of the occupational fatalities were attributed to homicide. Despite the fact that work related homicide was the leading cause of occupational fatality among women, 92% of workplace homicide victims were men. Most homicide victims were in the 25 to 54 year age range. Compared to national data, more of the Los Angeles homicide victims were Asian/Pacific Islanders or African Americans. Of the workplace homicides reported, 46% involved robberies and 85% involved firearms. Almost two thirds of the work related homicides occurred in retail and service establishments. Workers in technical, sales, administrative, and service fields were most often affected. The overall rate of workplace homicides in Los Angeles was 1.87 pre 100,000 individuals. Elevated homicide rates, relative to national values, were reported for taxicab establishments, liquor stores, nonstore retail, and protective services. Pilot testing was being conducted for the California FACE program's protocol for workplace homicide investigation. The authors conclude that continued surveillance and workplace investigation are needed to identify high risk occupations and design effective interventions for the reduction of work related homicides. Homicides resulting from robberies are the top priority.
