Workplace Violence

Initiatives to prevent and deal with workplace violence have evolved over the last few years. There are new provisions in the Canada Labour Code (Bill C65) which apply to organizations under federal jurisdiction. Provinces also have adopted similar legislation.

Employers are now expected to promote the concept of violence free workplaces, recognizing potential issues and dealing with problems which arise.

Under the Canada Labour Code, the federal government, Crown Corporations and federally regulated industries are expected to develop provisions to prevent harassment and violence including:

• comprehensive prevention policies
• training
• improved data collection
• respond to occurrences when they do happen through a resolution process that requires employers to communicate regularly with parties and provide multiple options for seeking resolution
• make available information respecting support services to employees.

TLS can help organizations develop policies and procedures to enhance a violence free workplace. TLS Associates have also investigated individual or group complaints related to workplace violence, which included a finding on the particular complaint, but also recommendations for prevention in the future.