Violence in the Workplace Worker Training Module 7

1. Violence in the WorkplaceWorker Training Module 7 Worker Focused Safety Program

2. Module 7Domestic Violence Worker Focused Safety Program

3. What this module will cover • Domestic Violence • Definition • How We Know, Now We Know • Responsibilities • Safety Response • Who gets to know • Conclusion

4. Introduction • Although we sometimes think of domestic violence as a private, family problem, it does not stop when your employees come to work. • As workplace incidents have proven, domestic violence can have deadly consequences.

5. Workplace Avenues • Domestic violence can enter the workplace through: • Disruptive phone calls • Harassing emails • Inappropriate visits by the abuser • Threats of harm to the victim’s co-workers • Physical violence in the workplace

6. Legal Obligations • According to the Workers Compensation Act (sections 172–177) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (s4.24–4.31), employers have a legal duty to protect workers from violence arising out of their employment. • Under certain circumstances, this may include violence arising from domestic situations.

7. Address the Risk • When you learn of a threat – assess the risk – Use Threat Assessment Form • According to the Regulation, employers must conduct a risk assessment if there is interaction between employees and persons other than co-workers that might lead to threats or assaults

8. Eliminate or Minimize Risk • If the threat of violence is imminent, the Administrator will: • Contact the police immediately. • Take steps to eliminate or minimize the risk to workers — for example, secure the premises. • When non-imminent threats exist, employers must establish procedures, and practices to address the risk

9. Instructing Workers • Inform staff of a hazard as soon as it is identified • This includes any staff who may reasonably encounter the individual posing the risk in the normal course of their employment • There is no duty to inform all workers • A balance must be struck between the obligation to inform and worker confidentiality

10. Response • If a violent incident occurs, obligations under sections 172 to 177 of the Workers Compensation Act and s3.4 of the Regulation to report and/or investigate the incident and take the appropriate action are initiated • If a worker is injured in a violent workplace incident, advise her/him to consult with a physician

11. Summary • SD61 takes all forms of domestic abuse seriously, including criminal harassment (stalking) • Acts and threats of violence, stalking, and breaching protection orders are all crimes and will be reported to the police

12. Questions…