There is no place for violence or harassment in the workplace. Regardless of where you work in Canada, most provinces have occupational health and safety legislation with “general duty” requirements for the employer to protect the health and safety of workers in the workplace, and this includes protection from workplace violence. In addition, most provinces have specific regulations regarding violence in the workplace, while other provinces include workplace violence under “working alone” regulations. Most Canadian workplaces recognize violence as an occupational health and safety hazard. They hold a zero tolerance attitude towards violence and harassment with a commitment to create a safe and healthy environment for all employees.
In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) defines the law regarding the roles and responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers to ensure health and safety in the workplace. Compliance of each workplace party to perform their specific responsibilities supports an “internal responsibility system” and is required to maintain a safe work environment. All workplace parties share a responsibility for creating and maintaining a work environment free of violence and harassment.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act was amended through Bill 168 to make provisions for both violence and harassment in the workplace. These changes came into force on June 15, 2010, and the requirements now apply to all workplaces covered by OHSA regardless of size. Bill 132 further amended the Act to include a definition of workplace sexual harassment and to add workplace sexual harassment to the definition of workplace harassment, effective September 8, 2016. Ontario workplaces must have violence and harassment policies and programs in place and employers must provide training to their workers on how to prevent violence and harassment in the workplace.
Training raises awareness about violence and harassment in the workplace. Workplace violence can be prevented or averted if employees are aware of the warning signs that may lead to violence. By being educated about workplace policies and knowing what to do in event of violence or harassment, can help prevent harm to workers. By knowing what behavior is acceptable and what is not, employees can do their part in preventing violence and harassment and help maintain a respectful workplace.
This course deals with general information such as the law, how to recognize warning signs, and respond to violence and harassment in the workplace. In addition, employers must provide training that addresses the contents of their specific workplace violence and harassment policies & programs.
Prevention of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace may be taken in the comfort of your own home or on the workplace computer system. Depending on your pace, it takes approximately 30 to 45 min to complete. You may progress through the online course at your own pace and may stop & start at any time. You are required to achieve a grade of 75% or higher in order to pass, and are allowed 2 attempts at the Knowledge Assessment. A certificate of completion (and/or wallet card) may be printed at successful completion of the Prevention of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace Knowledge Assessment.