Workplace Violence and Harassment

Course Outline

This course will introduce and define terms associated with workplace violence and harassment. It will also lay the foundations upon which an effective workplace violence, harassment and bullying prevention program can be established.

Everyone in an organization is required to abide by policies relating to workplace violence and harassment. This would include:

• workers,
• frontline supervisors,
• managers
• program administrators.

Employers will be shown the necessary structure and elements of a Workplace Violence and Harassment program. It will also set out what workers need to understand about how to identify, report on, and control undesirable behaviours in the workplace.

Definitions

• Who this policy applies to?
• Workplace Violence Examples
• Types of Harassment – Legal definition
• Examples
• Continuum of behaviours
• Code of ethics reference

Elements of a Typical Violence Program

• Program vs. Policy – What is the difference between the two.
• Duties and Responsibilities – Management & Employees, Risk Assessment
• Purpose
• Performance techniques

Control Methods

• Administrative – zero tolerance; duty to report.
• Engineering – facility lighting; surveillance; entry controls
• Safe Work Practices – identification techniques; regular report-in requirements; restricting access.
• Staff training – identifying unacceptable behaviours; how to call for help; existing organizational controls; how to report.
• Recognition of early warning signs – mood swings; substance abuse; social isolation; clenching; disrespect for authority

Procedures

• Incident reporting – to whom and how
• Incident investigation
• Review – of overall program and its efficacy

Regulations Review

Select jurisdiction of workplace (which Province, or Federal)

Review regulations and guidelines that apply.