Creating a Safe Workplace: Strategies for Addressing Violence and Harassment
Workplace violence and harassment are serious issues that extend far beyond physical assaults. They encompass any act where a person is abused, threatened, intimidated, or assaulted in their employment. This can include: Discover practical solutions to prevent workplace violence and harassment. Learn essential tips for creating a safer work environment.
Threatening behavior: Shaking fists, destroying property, or throwing objects.
Verbal or written threats: Expressions of an intent to inflict harm.
Verbal abuse: Swearing, insults, or condescending language.
Physical attacks: Hitting, shoving, pushing, or kicking.
Harassment, which can include bullying, is behavior that demeans, embarrasses, humiliates, annoys, alarms, or verbally abuses a person and is known or expected to be unwelcome. This includes gestures, intimidation, bullying, or other inappropriate activities.
Workplace violence or harassment is not limited to incidents that occur within a traditional workplace. Work-related incidents can occur at off-site business-related functions (conferences, trade shows), at social events related to work, in clients' homes, or away from work but resulting from work (a threatening telephone call to your home from a client).
Ensure your workplace is safe and compliant with Canadian OHS regulations by enrolling in our "Workplace Violence Awareness and Prevention (General Industry)" and "Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention" courses.
Practical Solutions for Management Professionals
1. Develop a Comprehensive Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy
The first step in addressing workplace violence and harassment is to create a comprehensive policy. This policy should clearly define what constitutes workplace violence and harassment, provide examples, and outline procedures for reporting and responding to incidents.
2. Provide Regular Training and Education
Ensuring that all employees understand what constitutes workplace violence and harassment and how to prevent it is crucial. Regular training and education help build this understanding.
3. Establish Clear Reporting Mechanisms
Creating multiple channels for reporting incidents is critical. This can include a dedicated hotline, email address, or anonymous reporting tool.
4. Promote a Positive Workplace Culture
Encouraging open communication, respect, and inclusion can significantly reduce incidents of workplace violence and harassment. Promoting a positive workplace culture is not just about preventing violence and harassment but also about fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
5. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
Regularly assessing risks can help identify potential hazards and implement control measures to mitigate them. Using tools provided by On-Track Safety, companies can effectively assess and manage these risks, ensuring a safer workplace for all employees.
6. Provide Support for Affected Employees
Offering support services such as counseling, employee assistance programs, and resources for those affected by workplace violence and harassment is crucial. Providing these services helps affected employees recover and feel supported and valued in the workplace.
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On-Track Safety's corporate account offers businesses an exceptional opportunity to enhance their workplace safety protocols with ease and efficiency. By signing up for a corporate account, companies can access a comprehensive suite of safety training courses, resources, and tools designed to meet Canadian OHS regulations. The benefits of a corporate account extend beyond compliance; it fosters a safer, more productive work environment. Additionally, businesses can save 20% on all training and certification programs, providing significant cost savings while investing in the well-being and security of their employees. Take advantage of this offer to not only boost your company’s safety standards but also enjoy financial benefits and peace of mind. Take advantage of this offer to not only boost your company’s safety standards but also enjoy financial benefits and peace of mind. Learn more or Schedule a Consultation with On-Track Safety today.
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