Violence and Harassment in the Workplace

As we move into February and (hopefully) spring an issue that is always an important topic in the workplace is Violence and Harassment. 

This month let’s take a closer look at possible forms that could occur.

It's important to recognize that harassment and violence can happen in any workplace, regardless of the industry or job type. It can take many forms, including physical violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and bullying. It's a serious issue that affects the well-being and productivity of employees, and it's something that every employer and employee should take seriously.

First and foremost, it's important for employers to create a safe and respectful workplace culture. This means having clear policies and procedures in place to prevent harassment and violence, as well as training for all employees to understand what constitutes harassment and violence, and how to report it. Employers should also make it clear that harassment and violence will not be tolerated, and that anyone who engages in such behavior will face consequences, up to and including termination.

Our PrinterWorks West employees will find our support structure outlined in the employee manual and Payworks.ca employee portal.

Workplace safety is a vital issue in Alberta and throughout Canada. Every employee deserves to feel safe, respected, and free from harassment and violence in their workplace. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to employees and employers in Alberta and across Canada to help prevent and address these issues:

• The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act is a key resource for employees and employers alike. This legislation outlines the responsibilities of employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees and includes provisions for preventing harassment and violence. Employers are required to have a policy in place that addresses these issues and to take action to prevent them from occurring.

• The Alberta Human Rights Commission is another important resource for those experiencing harassment or discrimination in the workplace. The commission provides information and support for individuals who have experienced harassment and can help them file a complaint if necessary. Their website offers a wealth of information on human rights, including harassment, discrimination, and hate crimes, as well as resources for those who have experienced these issues.

In addition, the Government of Alberta offers a free online training course called "Respect in the Workplace" through their website. This course is designed to help employees and employers understand the importance of workplace respect, and how to prevent and address issues of harassment and violence. It covers topics such as identifying different types of harassment, how to respond to incidents of harassment, and how to support those who have experienced harassment.

The Government of Canada also offers a number of resources for workplace safety and harassment prevention. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provides a variety of resources, including online courses, fact sheets, and posters, on topics such as workplace harassment, violence prevention, and mental health. Their website is a great resource for both employees and employers who are looking to create a safer and healthier workplace.

In conclusion, workplace safety and preventing harassment and violence in the workplace is of utmost importance. By utilizing the resources and training available through organizations such as the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Alberta Human Rights Commission, and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, employees and employers can work together to create a safe, respectful, and healthy workplace. Remember, every employee has the right to a safe and healthy workplace, and there are resources available to help achieve this goal.

By Darla Henderson