Workplace Violence: January 2025 OHS Safety Update

by Kasa Consulting

A safe and respectful workplace is crucial for the well-being of every employee. No one should have to face violence or harassment while at work. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), workplace violence refers to any act in which a person is abused, threatened, intimidated, or assaulted while doing their job. It can happen in different ways:

  • Threatening behavior: Shaking fists, destroying property, or throwing objects.
  • Verbal or written threats: Expressions of intent to harm.
  • Verbal abuse: Insults, swearing, or condescending language.
  • Physical attacks: Hitting, pushing, or kicking.

Additionally, harassment involves behaviors that demean, embarrass, or humiliate a person in the workplace. This can include verbal abuse, bullying, intimidation, or other inappropriate behaviours. Physical violence is often the most visible form of workplace violence; however, verbal threats and psychological abuse can also have lasting impacts on employees’ mental and emotional health.

In this edition, we’ll cover your rights as an employee, your employer’s responsibilities, the types of workplace violence, and ways to prevent it.

Types of Workplace Violence: What Are You Protected From?

Workplace violence can take on many forms and happen in different ways. Here are four main types of violence that employees should be protected from:

  1. Criminal Intent
    This type involves individuals with no connection to the workplace who commit violence during a criminal act, like robbery or vandalism.
  2. Customer or Client-Related Violence
    This happens when a customer or client assaults, threatens or harasses an employee.
  3. Worker-on-Worker Violence
    This occurs when violence or harassment happens between employees. It can range from verbal to physical violence, and often stems from workplace conflict.
  4. Personal Relationship Violence
    Violence that stems from an employee’s personal life, like domestic violence or stalking, can spill over into the workplace and affect safety.

Assessing the Risk of Workplace Violence

Employers need to assess their workplace to identify potential risks for violence and harassment. Factors that can increase the risk of violence include:

  • Dealing with the public or customers: Jobs that interact directly with the public can be at heightened risk of conflict.
  • Working alone or in isolated areas: Jobs that involve working late hours or in secluded locations can make employees more vulnerable.
  • Workplace design and layout: Poorly designed spaces without proper exits or surveillance systems can increase the chance of violence.
  • High-stress work environments: Organizational changes, downsizing, or other stressful events can escalate workplace tensions.

Why is Workplace Violence a Concern?

Workplace violence can cause serious problems for both employees and companies:

  • Physical and Emotional Harm: Employees can suffer from injuries, as well as emotional trauma, like anxiety or stress.
  • Lower Productivity: A culture of fear or harassment leads to decreased morale, which affects employee mental health and therefore performance and job satisfaction.
  • Employee Turnover: Employees who feel unsafe may leave, leading to higher turnover rates and additional costs for recruitment and training.
  • Financial Costs: Workplace violence leads to higher healthcare costs, legal fees, and workers’ compensation claims.

Employee Rights: Your Safety Comes First

As an employee, you have the right to a workplace free from violence and harassment. Here’s what that means for you:

  • Right to a Safe Workplace: You have the right to work in an environment free from threats or harm.
  • Protection from Harassment: No employee should experience harassment based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.
  • Right to Report: You can report any incidents of violence or harassment without fear of retaliation.
  • Right to Participate: You are entitled to a fair investigation if a complaint is made about violence or harassment at work.

Employer Responsibilities: Keeping the Workplace Safe

Employers have a responsibility to ensure your safety. These include:

  • Creating Clear Policies: Employers must set policies that clearly define unacceptable behaviors and the consequences for violating them.
  • Preventing Violence: Employers need to identify potential risks and implement strategies like training programs and safety protocols to reduce violence.
  • Providing Reporting Channels: Employers should offer accessible, confidential ways for employees to report concerns.
  • Investigating Complaints: Employers must investigate any reports of violence or harassment fairly and promptly.
  • Providing Support: Employers are responsible for offering support, such as counseling, for employees who are affected by workplace violence.

Preventing Workplace Violence: Key Strategies

To reduce workplace violence, both employees and employers must take action:

  1. Clear Policies: Employers should have a written policies against violence and harassment, that are shared with and understood by all employees.
  2. Security Measures: Businesses can improve physical security by installing surveillance cameras, using access control, and having security personnel if necessary.
  3. Training: Employees should receive training on conflict resolution, personal safety, and recognizing potential threats.
  4. Supportive Work Culture: Employers should promote respect, communication, and teamwork to prevent conflicts and improve workplace morale.
  5. Crisis Plans: Employers must have clear procedures for responding to incidents of violence, including evacuation plans and emergency contact information.
  6. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs can provide support for employees dealing with personal problems that could affect their behavior at work.

Workplace violence and harassment are serious issues that can affect everyone. It’s important to recognize the signs, know your rights, and understand the steps that both employees and employers can take to ensure a safe and respectful work environment. By staying informed, reporting any concerns, and working together, we can create a workplace where workers feel safe, valued, and respected.


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Please use the code Kasa2025! at check-out to apply the discount. This code is valid until March 31, 2025. Please feel free to share the code with clients, contractors, colleagues, and friends!