Work Related Assaults: The Impact on Victims

Abstract

This pilot project employed a case study design consistent with that of Rice to describe the impact of violence on individuals who incurred a work related assault in 1992. Ten randomly selected subjects were interviewed from a population of 429 individuals reporting a work related assault that resulted in a wage loss claim. Half of the subjects had received permanency ratings, thought to be a measure of injury severity. The study hypothesis, stating the impact of the assault (e.g., pain and suffering, decrease in functioning) years after a work related assault was associated with the severity of the injury (i.e., permanency rating), was not supported by the data. However, individuals' health and quality of life 4 years after the assault were affected significantly and resulted in job changes, chronic pain, changes in functional status, and depression. The new hypothesis resulting from this study is employer support and mental health intervention immediately after an assault may prevent employee job changes and decrease mental health sequelae.