Seminar Papers

Andrew Harkness, Senior Strategy Advisor, Healthy Workplaces
Industrial Accident Prevention Association

Healthy Workplace Equals Healthy Business
Is your workplace healthy? In order to prevent a toxic culture from developing and leading to workplace violence, harassment and bullying issues, it is important to ensure that any approach to workplace Wellness provides for not only physical safety but also includes plans for a healthy Psychosocial work environment, and a culture that supports fairness and respect. This session will outline how a comprehensive, balanced approach is the best way to achieve both employee and organizational Wellness. Participants will understand what a healthy workplace is, and explore various reasons why employers should invest in creating a healthy workplace, not the least of which is to avoid situations where workplace violence incidents may develop.

Cheryl A. Edwards, Partner, Heenan Blaikie LLP

Managing The Multiple Complexities Of Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is a multi-faceted problem which results in complex responsibilities for employers and management. Historically in Canada, overlapping legal obligations and potential liabilities have existed in human rights legislation, and at common law, to protect workers from certain types of prohibited harassment, bullying and violence. Amendments to Canadian OH&S legislation, including recent amendments to the Ontario OHSA, add to the web of employment-related obligations, risks, worker rights, and potential remedies for violence, bullying and harassment in the workplace. This session will detail common law obligations, recent astounding common law awards of damages, and arbitral awards, as well as recent treatment of violence, bullying and harassment by workers' compensation tribunals. Human rights risks and recent remedies will also be discussed. Guidance will be provided to equip employers to manage the multiple legal obligations and legal risks associated with this developing area.

Glenn French, President, Canadian Initiative on Workplace Violence

Workplace Violence: Issues, Trends and Strategies
Workplace violence, although not epidemic, can no longer be ignored within the Canadian workplace, particularly within the service industries such as health, education and retail. Increasingly, employers and unions are voicing their concern regarding an escalating trend in workplace aggression and other forms of conduct that can jeopardize occupational health and safety. Legislators and the courts are now turning their attention to this troubling and complex issue as signalled changes to Canada Labour Code Regulations and the pending implementation of Bill 168 an act to amended the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. Regardless of jurisdiction, employers now face onerous responsibilities aimed at protecting employees from various forms of workplace violence.

• Violence & Aggression in Canada: trends and incidents
• The key components of a violence prevention program
• How to conduct an organizational risk assessment
• Assessing individual threat
• Legal and regulatory responsibilities
• How to plan for pending legislation