Managers and fellow employees at a Rotten Robbie’s in Santa Clara were recently shocked when an assistant supervisor went on a rampage and set his Cupertino workplace on fire. He also went to another gas station owned by the company in Santa Clara and shooting, before being fatally shot himself by police. In the aftermath, some who knew him claimed he was upset over personal and work issues, but few would have expected him to act out in this manner. It raises concerns about the very real threat of workplace violence and how coworkers and managers alike need to handle the situation.
Disgruntled Workers Goes On Rampage
A 55-year-old San Jose resident was identified as the man who went on the rampage at Rotten Robbie’s, terrorizing fellow workers and causing significant amounts of property damage. Miraculously, no one was hurt when he first set fire to the gas station located on Stevens Creek Boulevard in Cupertino at roughly 5:00 a.m. that morning, nor were there any injuries when he opened fire at a second location on Lafayette Street in Santa Clara just an hour later.
While the man was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, 9 mm semiautomatic pistol, and plenty of immunization, he was stopped by officers soon after the shooting had broken out. Four officers were involved in the shooting and reports indicate he shot at them before they returned fire. Investigators state that the man had no prior criminal record in Santa Clara County. While his employers claim he seemed content with his job, police say he must have been holding some significant resentment against the company to have lashed out at two different locations.
Know the Warning Signs of Workplace Violence
Unfortunately, acts of workplace violence are nothing new in the San Francisco Bay area and have impacted a variety of office buildings, warehouses, schools, hospitals and other types of businesses over the past decade. More than two million workers throughout the country suffer injuries in these attacks each year, while roughly 1,000 workers die as the result of their injuries.
The DOL advises that all employers, from business owners and managers on through to even part-time staff, have a responsibility in keeping the workplace safe. If you suspect a problem or notice someone acting aggressively or hear of a threat, you should notify your supervisor so that immediate action can be taken to address the situation. Your employer should have a workplace violence policy and program in place and take any reports they receive seriously. You have the right to follow up on your concerns and to request additional actions to protect your safety.
Reach Out to Our San Jose Employment Law Attorneys Today
Do not take chances with your safety. If your employer fails to address any type of dangerous situation on the job, reach out to the Jachimowicz Law Group for help. Call our office at our office or contact our dedicated San Jose employment law attorneys online to request a free consultation today.
Sources:
https://www.dol.gov/oasam/hrc/policies/dol-workplace-violence-program.htm
