Are you a victim of workplace violence?

Ontario has re-defined workplace violence law under Bill 168.

Workplace violence is defined under the this bill as:

  • The exercise of physical force by a person against a worker in a workplace that causes or could cause physical injury to the worker.
  • An attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker.
  • A statement or behaviour that it is reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker.


The employers in Ontario are now obliged to prepare and implement workplace violence and workplace harassment program and policies.

The programs need to include such items as measures for reporting incidents and protocols for investigation and follow-ups. Included is the usual investigation of risk due to the nature and conditions of the different types of work.

Ontario is now pushing the privacy laws by requiring employers to take action if they believe that there is a threat of domestic violence that may cross over into the workplace and after not only that worker but fellow employees.

Do you think that your boss should tell you if a fellow employee had problems in their past with physical violence? Would you want your boss sharing your information about problems with your partner? Would you expect to be told if one of your fellow employees has a history of past mental illness?

Do you feel safe at work?

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