Report from the OH&S Canada magazine (Spring 2022)
Specially trained and better equipped security staff now working at Manitoba’s largest hospital – The Sciences Centre – in a bid to reduce violence against health-care workers. More institutional safety officers, armed with pepper gel and greater powers than regular security guards, are to be posted later in other health-care settings.
“All health-care workers deserve to be safe and feel safe at their places of work as do patients. “Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said Wednesday.
The officers were initially promised by the former Progressive Conservative government in 2021, and legislation was passed to outline their duties and authority.
Health workers have long complained about escalating violence from people under the influence of drugs or having mental health issues. The Manitoba Nurses’ Union filed a grievance last year, alleging its members at the Health Sciences Centre were not in a safe workplace.
An arbitrator agreed with the union in a decision, citing an assault on a nurse who was accessing a staff-only entrance.
“It is my opinion the current situation on campus, which includes minimal outside security patrols either by vehicle or on foot, does not meet the requirements for providing a safe workplace,” the arbitrator wrote.
My opinion
Ontario addresses healthcare violence through the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), requiring employers to develop and maintain workplace violence policies and programs, conduct risk assessments, and provide training to workers.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of Ontario’s approach to workplace violence prevention in healthcare:
Key Requirements Under the OHSA:
- Workplace Violence Policies and Programs:
Employers must establish policies and programs to address workplace violence, including procedures for reporting incidents, investigating threats, and providing support to workers.
- Risk Assessments:
Employers are required to assess and reassess the risks of workplace violence, considering the specific hazards in their workplace.
- Training and Information:
Workers must receive appropriate information and instruction on the workplace violence policy and program, including how to summon assistance and report incidents.
- Duty to Advise:
Employers have a duty to advise workers of any actual or potential occupational health and safety dangers, including workplace violence.
- Zero-Tolerance Policy:
Employers should establish a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace violence, covering all workers, patients, clients, visitors, and anyone else who may come in contact with employees.
Additional Resources and Initiatives:
- Workplace-Violence.ca:
The Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) provides tools, information, and resources to assist workplaces in reducing workplace violence and building effective programs.
- “Preventing Workplace Violence in the Health Care Sector” Report:
The Ministry of Labour released a report outlining recommendations from healthcare stakeholders to prevent violence in the healthcare sector.
- Code White:
Many healthcare settings use “Code White” to alert workers to a real or perceived threat of violence, including aggressive or responsive behaviors.
- Quality Improvement Plans:
Workplace violence prevention has been incorporated into the Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) for hospitals, primary care, long-term care, and home and community care.
- Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA):
The ONA provides resources and support to its members facing workplace violence and harassment, emphasizing that such incidents are not part of the job and that members should not put up with them.
- Bill 168:
This bill requires employers to have policies and programs in place to deal with workplace violence, workplace harassment, and domestic violence that may occur in the workplace.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including occupational ‘Violence and Harassment’.
Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
We can also be reached at info@hrsgroup.com
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.
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Thanks!
I wanted to thank you for all the great information you are providing.