Between 1980 and 1985, murder on the job was the leading cause of fatal injuries for women compared to being the third leading cause for men. The annual female homicide rate per 100,000 women ranged from 0.05 to 0.7. 2. Risk factors that were identified included age 65 and over, black, and work involving the exchange of money. The primary cause of death was gunshot wounds. 3. Suggested prevention strategies were environmental controls, training, policy, and research. 4. Occupational health nurses need to recognize homicide as an occupational hazard, determine high risk employees and situations, and implement programs to reduce violence related stress.