It seems like being Santa Claus is a pretty sweet job. But being Santa turns out to be pretty dangerous these days. It’s true, Virginia – even Santa can be the victim of workplace violence. Guest blogger Robert Smithson takes a look at how hard …

Workers and others may not always welcome or appreciate measures intended to ensure worker safety. And sometimes it’s not the measure itself but how it was presented that causes problems. Air Canada just learned this lesson the hard way. On Sept. 23, 2011, Air Canada …

Include language in your company’s workplace violence and harassment policy that expressly bars workers—and visitors—from bringing weapons to work and from possessing and using weapons in your workplace. The policy should also include a broad definition of “weapon” that covers items such as knives, hand …

Workplace violence and harassment take their toll on both the victims and their employers. Every jurisdiction in Canada either directly or implicitly requires employers to take steps to protect workers from these hazards. And it’s critical that you address both harassment and violence. Harassment occurs …

Download our latest OHS Insider infographic on Workplace Violence in Canada. Get interesting stats that illustrate exactly how important it is to have a complete workplace violence policy in your company for your workers’ protection.

Many companies hold summer events such as BBQs, picnics and other outings designed to build morale and reward employees for their hard work all year long. But while these events are supposed to be fun, they’re still potentially dangerous. In fact, in a recent poll …

According to the Calgary Herald, a national security company recently pleaded guilty to failing to protect a female security guard who was raped while working alone. Garda Canada Security Corp. pleaded guilty to violating the province’s OHS Act on Feb. 23 and faces more than …

Violence in the workplace has become an epidemic—causing serious legal and financial nightmares for organizations of all kinds and sizes.

In many jurisdictions, recent legislation requires employers to assess the potential for violence in their workplace AND to put policies and procedures into place to minimize …

In Nov. 2009, Major Nidal Hasan, a military doctor about to be deployed to Afghanistan, opened fire at Fort Hood, an army base in Texas, killing 13 and wounding 28. Hasan was himself shot, but recovered. The US Defense Department just released its report on …

Now that Ontario’s workplace violence and harassment requirements are in effect, guest blogger Robert Smithson ponders whether these new requirements are necessary—and will they work?

Ontario’s New Requirements

Ontario has introduced its Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace).  This legislation will …