Nearly one year ago, Bill 168, an Act to amend Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace, officially took effect. Bill 168 also added the requirement for employers to introduce measures to address domestic violence as a potential source of workplace violence.
As the Workers Health & Safety Centre points out, these amendments placed significant duties on employers relating to workplace violence and harassment. Top among employer obligations is the requirement to develop and implement workplace violence and harassment policies and program(s). To this end the employer must also provide all workers with information and instruction on the content of the workplace policies, hazard control measures, and other procedures outlined in the program designed to implement the policies. (WCxKit)
When companies are not in compliance, workers are at risk and employers open to possible repercussions. Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) inspectors undertook a compliance blitz between May 1, 2010 and August 31, 2010, focusing on workplaces employing new and young workers.
According to the MOL, violence and harassment prevention efforts mandated by the Act accounted for 15% of non-compliance orders written for industrial workplaces and 14% for health care facilities.
The Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) can help as it offers handy compliance checklists for both employers and workers. The WHSC also offers a three-hour Workplace Violence and Harassment Prevention training program designed to help prepare workplaces for a better understanding of workplace violence and harassment and to reach full compliance with the workplace prevention obligations required under the Act. Finally, the WHSC has published fact sheets on workplace and domestic violence relating to the workplace. (WCxKit)
Workplace Violence: Predictable and Preventable is now updated to reflect Bill 168. Domestic Violence in the Workplace: Breaking the Silence outlines how domestic violence can become a workplace issue and highlights the responsibilities legally required of employers who are aware, or ought to be reasonably aware, that domestic violence can most likely expose a worker to physical injury occurring in the workplace.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact:Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com .
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