Preventing and Reducing Workplace Violence and Harassment

Incidents of workplace violence and harassment are alarmingly prevalent in Canada; with many indications the incidence rates are rising in recent years. In federally regulated sectors alone, 6,226 occurrences were reported in 2022, representing a 22% increase from 2021.  

All workers are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace, free from violence and harassment, and employers play an essential role in creating and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. Incidents of workplace violence or harassment can prevent workers from doing their jobs effectively, cause physical or mental harm, and can spread into their personal lives and wellbeing, bringing negative impacts to both the worker and the workplace.

What is workplace violence and harassment

Workplace violence and harassment covers a broad range of behaviours and actions, but generally include:

• The threat or use of physical force by a person against worker in a workplace that causes or could cause physical injury
• Unwelcome and intimidating behaviour, discrimination, or behaviour leading to isolation against a worker or group of workers
• Bullying or aggressive comments or conduct against a worker in a workplace, including virtually, due to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• And more.

Who is affected by workplace violence and harassment

Although workplace violence and harassment can be perpetrated by and directed towards anyone, statistics indicate that some demographics face increased risks, including women, indigenous peoples, 2SLLGBTQI+, and workers with disabilities. A recent survey of Canadian workers found that 47% of women have experienced harassment or sexual assault at work, compared to 31% of men.

Compounding the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of these kinds of incidents are the financial impacts—70% of those who experienced sexual harassment missed work due to its effects, and 88% of those were transferred, suspended, fired, or lost a shift as a result.

The negative impacts of unaddressed workplace violence and harassment to both worker and workplace are clear. So how can employers prevent and reduce workplace violence and harassment in workplaces today, to help create the safer workplaces of tomorrow?

Policies and programs to prevent and reduce workplace violence

In Ontario, employers with over five employees are required to have workplace violence and harassment policies in place, as well as programs to implement workplace violence and harassment policies in their workplace. Employers are also obligated to have a process to investigate incidents or complaints of violence and harassment and are encouraged to seek necessary support and guidance when developing and implementing such policies and programs to ensure appropriate fit with their workplaces and compliance with legislation.

When creating or making changes to existing policies and programs, the employer may incorporate or reference existing ones from other outside organizations or templates, but employers must ensure theirs is specific to their individual workplace and follow the requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

Accessible training focused on workplace violence and harassment prevention

PSHSA’s harassment in the workplace self-paced eLearning module provides an overview of existing statutory requirements for workplace harassment under the OHSA and the extended obligations arising from legislative changes. It’s important that everyone in the workplace adopt an attitude that it is never okay to engage in harassment or sexual harassment.

There are specific rights and obligations under provincial legislation with respect to harassment and sexual harassment but more so, the safety and security of workers in the workplace is essential to promoting a production, harmonious and successful organization. Our eLearning module provides learners (both employers and workers) with the information they need to stay compliant.

We also offer a workplace violence prevention program through private delivery with just your organization offered both virtually and in-person at your workplace.