When a disgruntled employee opened fire at a commercial laundry near Philadelphia earlier this year, the incident highlighted the reality of workplace violence in America. The shooter killed two people and injured three others, adding more victims to the nationwide toll of fatalities.

“Any exposure to the news media today will reveal that incidents of workplace violence occur quite frequently across the country,” says Ed Sherman, an organizational and public safety consultant. “Most business owners and employees recognize this is a significant issue and it’s something that should be addressed.”

The facts are clear: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports ...