Workplace Violence

Employers and workers should always contact police first in emergency situations – whenever threats or actual violence occurs at a workplace. From a College telephone, call Extension 88 to request police or ambulance services. BE SURE TO STATE YOUR CAMPUS as this extension can sometimes be answered at Newnham.  The Security personnel will guide the police to the affected location on campus. From a cell phone, call 416 491-5050, Ext. 88.

Under Article 4 of our Collective Agreement, we can grieve workplace bullying by other employees, supervisors or by students. The grievance right will usually arise when the college has failed to take appropriate action on being notified, for example, letting a threatening student continue to attend classes.

As of June 2010 (see Part 111.0.1 of the Occupational Heralth and Safety Act), workplace safety now includes protection from violence in the workplace, and from various forms of bullying and harassment in the workplace.This is in addition to protections that might be provided under other laws. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the employer has a number of responsibilities for assessing the risks of workplace violence. The employer must assess the risk of workplace violence that may arise from the nature of the workplace, type of work or conditions of work [Section 32.0.3(1)]; take into account the circumstances of the workplace and circumstances common to similar workplaces, as well as any other elements prescribed in regulation [Section 32.0.3(2)]; and, develop measures and procedures to control identified risks that are likely to expose a worker to physical injury. These measures and procedures must be part of the workplace violence program [Section 32.0.2(2)(a)].

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/wpvh/violence.php

Workplace violence means:

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.

Further, 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.

Workplace Harassment

  • Workplace harassment means 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.

Enforcement

Ministry of Labour health and safety inspectors will enforce the new OHSA provisions for workplace violence and workplace harassment and determine if employers are complying with their new duties.

Work Refusal

Workers have the right to refuse work if they have a reason to believe they are in danger from workplace violence. Reprisals by the employer are prohibited.