Bill 168: the new Workplace Violence and Harassment provisions.

There is new legislation in Ontario that comes into force June 15, 2010. It is Bill 168: the new Workplace Violence and Harassment provisions. Bill 168 has created new obligations for all employers, along with significant penalties for non-compliance.

The following is a quick overview of what you need to do before JUNE 15, 2010.

1. Conduct a risk assessment of the potential of violence in the workplace;
2. Prepare policies on Workplace Violence and Harassment:
3. Prepare and implement procedures to accomplish the polices on Workplace Violence and Harassment;
4. Understand and consider the risk of Domestic Violence;
5. Understand and consider the obligation of notification of potential violence to your staff;
6. Implement, train and educate your staff;
7. Understand these are fluid documents that must be re-evaluated as required by circumstance, but at least annually.

We have conducted risk assessments and we can: conduct a risk assessment for you; help you to update your policies (or write new ones, if you don't have any at the moment); and train you and your staff. We can help you with all or part of the process - it's entirely up to you.

Not only is it an offence to be in non-compliance, if there were an incident that happened and you had not complied with the Act, that fact would be an aggravating factor in a lawsuit against you. If you would like any assistance in preparing for this new legislation, please contact our office.