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Policies
- Create policies for (i) workplace violence and (ii) workplace harassment to reflect the definition and intent as outlined in the OHSA S.43 s 1 (1). These policies must represent the principles declared within the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Public Posting
- Both policies must be posted in a public place, easily seen by workers
Risk Assessment
- Each work location must have a risk assessment; identification of risk must be documented and made known to all who may enter the work location and may be confronted by violent outsiders. Participation, of workers, in the assessment process assists in risk identification.
- Results of risk assessments must be in writing and shared with the Joint Health & Safety Committee JHSC.
- Reassessment should become a regular event scheduled at predetermined intervals or as needed by changes in work circumstances.
Workplace Violence Prevention Program
- Employers are obligated to develop a response to each identified risk, including but not limited to heightened security protocols, process modification, training and control implementation.
- Implementing a process for summoning immediate assistance in the event of a violent or imminently violent incident
- Developing a reporting mechanism for workers, who in good faith, report incidents or threats
- Implementing a process to investigate incidents and threats, either real or alleged, as quickly as possible after an incident
- Domestic Violence- If there is a possibility of domestic violence impacting a worker in the workplace or the worker’s quality of work, it should be brought to the attention of those whom it may impact in order to protect them
- Individuals with a violent history- All reports of workplace violence or potential incidents must be taken seriously and investigated professionally, ethically and legally using as much sensitivity and discretion as circumstances will allow to protect the privacy of those involved.
- Define history of violence
- Determine the information to use in assessing an individual’s history of violence
- Addressing privacy and other legal requirements
- Protocol for communicating necessary information with other workers
- Notifying the perpetrator of the information being released
- Implementing controls needed to protect all workers
Work Refusals
- Refer to OHSA Part V S. 43 for all exemptions to this regulation.
- Supervisory personnel require training on addressing work refusal related to workplace violence.
Reporting Incidents of Workplace Violence
- All reports of workplace violence or potential incidents must be taken seriously and investigated. When complaints are brought forward, all parties must maintain strict confidentiality unless this causes imminent danger and investigation by law enforcement is needed to de-escalate the situation.
Workplace Safety Group offers a unique, four-hour Workplace Violence Prevention training course dealing with violence and harassment in the workplace. Course participants will come away with a clear understanding of workplace harassment and violence and relevant information for managing them. Included in this workshop is a comprehensive guideline discussing Ontario’s Bill 168.
Bill 168 received Royal Assent on December 15th 2009 and becomes Law on June 15th 2010!
Amendments to Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act will help further protect workers from violence and harassment in workplaces. The legislation not only enhances protections against workplace violence, but also addresses workplace harassment. It applies to all Ontario workplaces currently covered by the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
Managing workplace violence is a legal obligation with the passing of Bill 168! It requires employers to:
Develop and communicate workplace violence and harassment prevention policies and programs to workers Assess the risks of workplace violence, and take reasonable precautions to protect workers from possible domestic violence in the workplace. Allow workers to remove themselves from harmful situations if they have reason to believe that they are at risk of imminent danger due to workplace violenceHelping you know what to do!
Get practical information on preventing workplace harassment and violence and create a work environment that supports respect and tolerance of all workers.
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Assessing workplaces for harassment and/or violence Investigating complaints of harassment and/or violence Reporting incidents of workplace harassment and/or violence Writing Workplace Violence and Workplace Harassment Policies |
For Training Click Here! |
