Blog Post #1430 – How to Develop a Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Strategy – Part 1

Written by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

Article from the OH&S Canada magazine – (Nov. 2021)

Harassment and violence in the workplace can take many forms and it doesn’t always have a single perpetrator and victim.

It might be a poster or calendar on the wall objectifies women or men. A comic strip taped to the fridge in the break room that makes fun of a special sexual orientation or gender expression, or a minority. A meme circulating on Slack, Teams, or Facebook that targets immigrants or people experiencing poverty.

Harassment and violence can involve verbal abuse, unwanted touch or even hitting, and usually involves a pattern of behaviours with repeated incidents.

As part of their duty to create a healthy and safe environment for workers, employers should develop a comprehensive harassment and violence prevention policy. It should include a reference document, a written statement, mandatory training for employees and managers to learn to recognize all forms of workplace harassment and violence, and safe avenues for reporting and addressing incidents.

Over the next few days there will be follow-ups under “Understanding the scope of harassment and violence at work”, “Assessing the Risks in your Workplace”, “Create a Road Map and make it Readily Available”, and “Commit to an Ongoing Process”.

Ontario has had it owns regulations for many years and it is great that the Canadian government has committed aid those provinces or territories that are lagging behind.

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.