Homicide is the leading cause of workplace fatalities in five states, the nation's capitol, and New York City. Street-front shops in high-crime areas, convenience stores, and taxi- cabs are particularly high-risk sites. Across the nation in 2005 564 homicides occurred when the victims were at work.

(a) What obligation, if any, should an employer have to protect employees from intentional assaults by other employees?

(b) Should workers' compensation laws cover workplace assault and battery?

In recent years, OSHA has made workplace violence a major priority.

Internet Assignment In 1996, OSHA published guidelines for workplace violence prevention at night retail establishments. What has OSHA done since then?

In Philadelphia in 2007, a group of industrial companies installed high-resolution cameras that feed video to the local police to help catch muggers. Other companies use internal security.

What are the ethical issues that arise with such surveillance? What other steps have been taken by businesses?