11 | WSPS.CA/AnnualReport
De-escalation in Restaurants and Retail – COVID-19 fears and fluctuating requirements for related safety
measures are ongoing considerations for many restaurants, food service, and retail operations. At a time
when workers are increasingly fearful of potentially violent interactions with customers, businesses have
been looking for guidance. To serve their needs, WSPS created content in many different formats in 2021-22.
Here are some examples:
Violence and Harassment Prevention – Situational Awareness & De-escalation – WSPS launched this
half-day workshop in January 2022. It provides an overview of related legislative requirements and helps
participants understand why it is more important than ever that effective violence and harassment policies
and programs are in place.
5 de-escalation tips when responding to agitated customers – An article on WSPS.CA (March 2022)
Violence and Harassment Prevention: De-escalation Tips – Small Biz Safety Podcast Episode (March 2022)
What action can employees take to de-escalate a situation with a violent customer? A Safety Tip social
media video – one of 6 short, helpful videos produced on the topic of Violence and Harassment
HOT TOPIC
In October 2021, WSPS
Specialized Consultant
(Healthy Workplaces)
Kristy Cork provided
helpful de-escalation
tips for frontline workers
on a CBC morning radio
segment that aired
across the country, from
Newfoundland
to Vancouver, over a two
day period.
