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300-BXB-01-IGDO © 2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca
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Developing Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies and Programs: A Toolbox
Physical Yes No N/A Examples of Controls Existing Controls Recommended Controls
Environment
(identify person(s) responsible
and expected completion
dates, if possible)
VC6. Is there a place
in which workers can
safely store their
personal belongings?
VC7. Do workers
work at times of
increased
vulnerability, such as
late at night, early in
the morning, or at
very quiet times of
day?
VC8. Are there
any other risks
associated with
the physical
environment
and working with
unstable or
volatile clients?
• Design rooms so that they are
within hearing range of
reception area or other
workers
• Set up room (including
furniture) to allow for an easy
exit in case of an emergency
• Use weighted furniture
• Provide a means of
communication or alarm
If no designated meeting rooms
exist, set up offices so that
workers can exit the office first.
Provide workers with a secure
area to lock their personal
belongings, out of public sight.
Assess higher-risk times and
the need for additional
measures to protect workers,
such as:
• having workers leave the
building in groups
• arranging for security patrols
• joining with neighbouring
businesses to coordinate
security
See the General Physical
Environment Assessment for
some other aspects of the
physical environment that
should be assessed.
WSPS.CA
