USC Health and Safety Training Workplace Violence

USC DISCRIMINATION HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION POLICY The USC Discrimination Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy is posted on every health and safety board in every USC operation. The USC is committed to providing a harassment, discrimination, and violence free environment for its employees. This commitment and the expectations and responsibilities of USC management and workers are outlined in the policy. The policy can be found at the following link –

Bill 168 Changes to Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) – effective June 15, 2010 – strengthen protections for workers from workplace violence and address workplace harassment. They define workplace violence and harassment and describe employer duties, and will apply to all workplaces covered by the OHSA.Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act

How do employers prevent violence in the workplace? 1. Recognize the risks of violence in the workplace 2. Assess the risk of violence in the workplace 3. Control the risk of violence in the workplace 4. Create a violence prevention program; and 5. Provide training to employees

Workplace Violence – According to federal government guidelines, workplace violence is defined as follows (next 4 slides) - The exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause physical injury to the worker An attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker A statement or behaviour that it is reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker. This also includes: threatening behaviour - such as shaking fists, destroying property or throwing objects. verbal or written threats - any expression of an intent to inflict harm.

Workplace Violence Harassment Engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. Workplace harassment may include bullying, intimidating or offensive jokes or innuendos, displaying or circulating offensive pictures or materials, or offensive or intimidating phone calls.

Workplace Violence Physical attacks - hitting, shoving, pushing or kicking. Rumours, swearing, verbal abuse, pranks, arguments, property damage, vandalism, sabotage, pushing, theft, physical assaults, psychological trauma, anger-related incidents, rape, arson and murder are all examples of workplace violence.

Workplace Violence Domestic Violence Employers who are aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, that domestic violence may occur in the workplace must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect a worker at risk of physical injury.

What are the sources of workplace violence? Employee’s Former Employees Customers Suppliers Vendors Employee Family members/friends

What the areas where workplace violence can occur? Workplace Customer location Workplace function outside of work Telephone Parking lot Home office Company vehicle

What is bullying? Bullying is the act of intentionally causing harm to others, through verbal harassment, physical assault, or other more subtle methods of coercion such as manipulation. Bullying is usually done to coerce others by fear or threat and is characterized by an individual behaving in a certain way to gain power over another person. This type of behaviour is usually perpetrated by an abuser who possesses more physical and/or social power and dominance than the victim. The harassment can be verbal, physical and/or emotional.harassmentassaultcoercionmanipulation

What are the risk factors for workplace violence? (next 2 slides) The risk of workplace violence is greater in jobs that involve: 1. Handling cash 2. Protecting or securing valuables 3. Transporting people and goods 4. A mobile workplace (such as a vehicle) 5. Public or community contact 6. Working with unstable or volatile people 7. Working alone, or with just a few people 8. Working late nights or very early mornings.

Risk Factors The risk of violence is greater in workplaces that involve: 1. Health care 2. Social services 3. Retail 4. Hospitality 5. Financial institutions 6. Education 7. Transportation 8. Police, security and corrections

What do I do…. Workers whose physical safety is threatened by violence, in any form, in the workplace should contact the police immediately. Always call the police when an act of violence has occurred or someone is threatened with violence in the workplace. Acts of violence, and threats of acts of violence, are covered by Canada’s Criminal Code, which is enforced by the police. Call 911 or Ext (on campus)

Always report potential violence! A worker should report to his or her employer or supervisor the existence of any situation that has the potential for violence. The most qualified/experienced person should always deal with any incidents of potential violence.

Consequences The consequences of participating in any type of Workplace Violence as defined in this presentation, may be cause for discipline up to and including termination for cause.