Massive lay-offs, uncertainity of employment and all around money problems has raised the concern a growing problem of violence.

Indeed, stories of workplace violence are filling headlines of late — the San Diego bus mechanic who killed two co-workers or the unemployed man in upstate New York whose 12 shooting victims included a receptionist and a teacher.

With such jarring tragedies, fears of violence fueled by financial worries are growing as the recession puts strain and stress on anxious workers, experts say.

Statistics on workplace violence in this recession will take years to compile and analyze, experts say. From 1997 to 2007, the most recent year for which data is available, there were more than 7,000 occupational homicides nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While most involved robberies, more than 1,000 involved work associates, the government agency said.

Whether or not the numbers will show a spike in economic-related violence, the fear is valid and significant, said Joel Shults, head of public safety at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado and an expert in safety awareness.

Elevating the fear is the fact that so many perpetrators in recent workplace shootings seemed normal, he said.

Violence is a by-product of the recession…..I fear that the worse is yet to come.