Awareness of workplace violence is increasing in all jurisdictions. It's a serious issue that can disrupt workplaces, affect productivity and could end up costing the employer in financial damages, bad publicity and safety fines. In this Oct. 19, 2011, article, employment lawyer Ronald Minken looks at an Ontario case where a verbal threat was considered on par with physical violence that warranted harsh discipline -- a caution to employers to take not just violence, but threats of violence seriously.