Nova Scotia to reduce workplace violence

from Nova Scotia Business Journal

Nova Scotia is strengthening its commitment to reduce workplace violence, with support from the federal, provincial and territorial governments. At a meeting of Canadian labour ministers in Quebec on Thursday, Mark Parent, minister of Environment and Labour, moved that all jurisdictions adopt a joint stance against workplace violence.

“We had a very productive conference,” said Parent. “We agreed to heighten awareness about prevention of workplace violence, to exchange research and information on best practices, and to continue to develop strategies, tools and measures to improve prevention of violence in the workplace.”

Nova Scotia joined the other jurisdictions in formally recognizing that violence prevention is integral to safe and healthy workplaces, which benefit workers, employers and the economy.

Leading research indicates workplace violence is predictable in many sectors and situations and can be reduced. In April 2007, Nova Scotia implemented a Workplace Violence Prevention Strategy and regulations. The strategy includes an awareness campaign to alert employers to their obligations regarding workplace violence prevention and the new regulations.

The strategy also offers information resources, training, and opportunities to help develop industry-specific codes of practice. Current resource materials available in Nova Scotia include a guide to the workplace violence prevention regulations, educational and best practice materials for employers, web links, and tips and articles posted to the department’s website.

The Department of Environment and Labour offers free information sessions to help employers achieve compliance with certain aspects of the regulations before the deadline of April 1.

The Violence in the Workplace Prevention Guide, published by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, is also available through the department. For workplaces under federal jurisdiction, Human Resources and Social Development Canada announced Jan. 21, proposed violence prevention in the workplace regulations under the Canada Labour Code.