Regardless of where you live in Canada, most provinces have occupational health & safety legislation with “general duty” requirements for your employer to protect your health & safety in the workplace, and this includes protecting you from workplace violence. In addition, most provinces, including British Columbia, have specific regulations regarding violence in the workplace. Workplaces in British Columbia recognize violence as an occupational health and safety hazard.
The Workers Compensation Act defines the roles & responsibilities of employers, supervisors & workers to ensure health & safety in the workplace. The Occupational Health & Safety Regulation (BC REG 296/97) sets out specific requirements that must be met in order to ensure the health & safety of workers and those around them. Under this regulation, requirements for the prevention of Violence in the Workplace are provided as well as requirements for Working Alone or In Isolation. Additionally, WorkSafeBC issued Occupational Health & Safety policies (under the Act) for preventing and addressing Workplace Bullying and Harassment.
Compliance of each workplace party to perform their specific responsibilities supports an "internal responsibility system" and is required to maintain a safe work environment. Everyone in the workplace shares a responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe workplace, including a work environment free of violence and harassment. Most Canadian workplaces hold a zero tolerance attitude towards violence & harassment with a commitment to create a safe & healthy environment for all employees
Training raises awareness about violence and harassment in the workplace. Workplace violence can be prevented or averted if employees are aware of the warning signs that may lead to violence. By being educated about workplace policies and knowing what to do in event of violence or harassment, you can help prevent harm to workers. By knowing what behavior is acceptable and what is not, employees can do their part in preventing violence and harassment and help maintain a respectful workplace.
This course deals with general information such as the law, how to recognize warning signs, and respond to violence and harassment in the workplace. In addition, employers must provide training that addresses the contents of their specific workplace violence and harassment policies & programs.
Prevention of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace may be taken in the comfort of your own home or on the workplace computer system. There are 2 units and depending on your pace, it takes approximately 45 min to complete. You may progress through the online course at your own pace and may stop & start at any time. You are required to achieve a grade of 75% or higher in order to pass the Knowledge Assessment, and are allowed 2 attempts. A certificate of completion (and/or wallet card) may be printed at successful completion of the Prevention of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace test.