Many workplaces, like restaurants, can be a target for workplace violence because of the presence of cash, the late work hours,and contact with the public. A (1992-1997) Bureau of Labor Statistics study of all workplaces, indicates that 20 percent of overall youth workplace injuries are attributed to assaults or violent acts.

• Keep the cash register closed when not in use.
  
  
• Keep cash register in line of sight of other employees.
   
• Do not count cash in front of customers.
  
  
• Help establish and follow lock-up procedures such as all employees should leave the workplace at the same time.
  
  
• Know how to report and log incidents of threats or violence.
  
  
• Use the safety plan when dealing with unsatisfied customers, robbery, or theft.
  
  
• Keep the back doors locked unless you are receiving a delivery. 
   

• Follow the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or state laws if they are more stringent, that forbid young workers (younger than 16 years old) from working after 7 p.m. except from June 1st though Labor Day, when evening hours are extended to 9 p.m. Do not leave young teens alone at night to lockup.

For more information see Resources - Child Labor Laws.

• Provide for exit route doors from the inside of a building at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge. A device such as a panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted on exit discharge doors. See OSHA Design and Construction Standard requirements for exit routes [1910.36(d)].
  
  
  

Design and implement a violence prevention program, specific for your establishment. The plan should indicate how employees should notify local law enforcement agencies in case of an emergency.   Contact your local Police Department for safety tips. Train employees to follow the safety plan when dealing with unsatisfied customers, or an emergency such as a robbery or theft. Instruct employees in reporting and logging incidents of threats or violence. Post signs saying, "No more than $30 in cash register at all times." Limit available cash on hand to discourage theft.	Door sign
Install a panic button under the counter to quickly notify the police in case of a robbery. Increase workplace security by installing video surveillance, extra lighting around dimly lit areas (such as trash dumpsters and parking lots), alarm systems, door detectors, or bullet-resistant barriers where appropriate. Install height markers to help employees identify the height of suspects.	Video surveillance
Use the "buddy system" when jobs require employees to be outside after dark. Also, provide an escort for anyone who has a shift that ends late and must walk through a dark parking lot to their vehicle. Assess staffing needs at high-risk areas and times. Install drop safes to limit the amount of cash on hand.  Keep the back doors locked and set regular times for deliveries. Use panic bars on exit doors so they can be locked but employees can safety exit if they need to.

• Workplace Violence. OSHA Safety and Health Topic Page.