Guides & Toolkits

11 300-AQ0-01-IGDO © 2019, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca 7 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. WSPS.CA

• Cover