Risks of workplace violence have been seen at companies historically. But given recent mass shootings, especially the one in San Bernardino, Calif., there is renewed attention to workplace safety and related legal concerns.

Many times violence breaks out in a workplace because of personal issues. Perhaps it relates to domestic violence, an argument between employees, or a fired employee returning to the workplace. Often, these workplace incidents have nothing to do with emotional illness. Sometimes, they do. And given the recent California shooting, they can relate to terrorism, as well.

Following the mass shooting in California, Terri Solomon, an attorney at Littler Mendelson who advises companies on workplace violence and other labor and employment issues, said she got dozens of phone calls from employers. The concerns were generally about how to keep their own employees safe, she says.