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Developing Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies and Programs: A Toolbox
Overview and Context for Action
Policy, Program, and Training Review Tool
Yes No Examples of Content Existing Recommended
Workplace Violence
Does your workplace violence program include the following elements, required by the OHSA?
Do you have a
workplace violence
policy, as required by the
Occupational Health and
Safety Act (OHSA)?
Do you have a
workplace violence
program, as required by
the OHSA?
• Measures and
procedures to control
the risks identified by
your assessment as
likely to expose a
worker to physical
injury
• Measures and
procedures for
summoning
immediate assistance
for actual or potential
workplace violence
A workplace violence policy is required by the
OHSA. A good workplace violence policy should, at
minimum:
• state that violence is an occupational health and
safety hazard in the workplace
• state what workplace violence is and its sources
• state that workplace violence is unacceptable and
recognize the harm that could result
• state the employer's commitment to protecting
workers from workplace violence
• outline consequences of behaviours covered by
the policy
• encourage workers to report all incidents and
threats of workplace violence
• commit to investigate and deal with concerns
promptly
An Example Workplace Violence Policy is available
on page 67 in this
Toolbox.
A workplace violence program is required by the
OHSA.
A workplace violence program must include, at
minimum, the elements below.
See the Workplace Violence Assessments.
Measures and procedures could include:
• providing equipment to call for help, such as
individual or fixed alarms (sounding or silent) or
cell phones (pre-programmed to call an
emergency number)
• providing GPS tracking devices or other
locating devices
• providing internal and external numbers for
workers to call
• at all hours of operations
• posted or otherwise readily available
• establishing an internal code word or words to
indicate that help is needed
Consider integrating your workplace's measures
and procedures with your building's, or join with
neighbouring businesses to coordinate measures
and procedures.
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