For our Canadian friends, the deadline for employers to meet the new requirements for Ontario Bill 168 is quickly approaching. I know many of you are working hard to make sure you’re prepared for these changes.

As you may know, Bill 168 broadens the definitions of workplace violence and requires employers to protect workers from any type of violence. Employers must also educate workers on policies and keep them informed about risks in the workplace. It also grants employees the right to refuse to come to work if they feel endangered.
 

As part of the bill, employers need to conduct an assessment within their organization, develop a policy, and then implement a program of measures and procedures to control risk. It also requires provision of training to all employees to address both workplace violence and harassment policies.
 

Although the new requirements don’t legally require your organization to undergo formal training outside the workplace, I think it is interesting to note that many proactive organizations are doing so to more easily adapt to the new bill and prepare employees for the changes to come. But even more importantly, by providing this additional training, companies are highlighting the fact that their employees are the most valued asset of their organization.
 

Our own Bill Badzmierowski, director of instructor services here at CPI, recently published an article on Bill 168 in the summer 2010 issue of Influents, a publication of the Water Environment Association of Ontario. In it he talked about the need for ongoing training within an organization.
 

"As conditions, patterns, and practices change, policies and procedures may also need review and revision to support employees. Ongoing training for all employees at all levels in all areas of the continuum is essential to the prevention of violence and harassment in Ontario workplaces as required under Ontario law."

If you have not already done so, you can view a recording of our webinar, Ontario Bill 168: Workplace Violence—Prevention and Response, which offers some practical tips and strategies you can use to adapt to the Bill 168 requirements.  And then please, get your employees as safe as possible!

To read more about the new bill, visit our Legislation News Ontario Bill 168 page.