OHS Answers Fact Sheets – Violence in the Workplace

This resource is an extensive fact sheet from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety on preventing violence in the workplace. The resource includes information on what work-related factors increase the risk of violence, elements to help recognize if the workplace is at risk, what can be done to prevent violence in the workplace, and examples of preventive measures.

What can I do to prevent violence in my workplace?

According to CCOHS, the most important component of any workplace violence prevention program is management commitment communicated through a written policy. The policy should:

• Be developed by management and employees’ representatives, and apply to management, employees, clients, independent contractors, and anyone who has a relationship with your organization.
• Define what workplace violence means in concrete language and provide clear examples of unacceptable behaviour and working conditions.
• State in clear terms the organization’s commitment towards workplace violence and the consequences of violent acts.
• Outline confidential processes to report incidents, encourage reporting, and ensure no reprisals.
• Establish procedures to investigate and resolve complaints and commit to support victims.
• Commit to fulfill violence prevention training to all personnel.