Ticking Bombs: Defusing Violence in the Workplace

Mantell and Albrecht confront employee violence in this unique business study. Their message is blunt and unnerving: ``According to . . . U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, homicide is now the third most frequent cause of death in the workplace in America; in California . . . one in five on-the-job deaths was a homicide.'' Mantell, a UC San Diego medical school professor, and Albrecht, who writes frequently on criminal justice, offer tenable suggestions regarding intervention strategies, preemployment screenings, substance abuse problems and effective termination procedures. While their case history of a workplace murderer is too protracted, their coverage of disciplinary policies, employee assistance programs and protecting the workplace enrich their excellent study. (Apr.)