Workplace Violence-Related Charges Against Mental Health Centre Dismissed

A patient at a mental health centre became violent and caused a physical altercation with two registered practical nurses and a personal care attendant. As a result, the centre was charged with three violations of the workplace violence provisions of the OHS Act, including failing to have workplace violence policies that addressed summoning immediate assistance and providing deficient worker training. The court found that the centre had developed and maintained a workplace violence program, which included a measure or procedure for summoning help. As to training, the centre did what was appropriate and required. So the court dismissed the charges, finding that the prosecution didn’t prove them beyond a reasonable doubt [Ontario (Ministry of Labour) v. Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, [2016] ONCJ 456 (CanLII), July 15, 2016].