Workplace violence: A risk you can’t afford to ignore

Workplace violence is an unfortunate reality. A rapidly growing concern for employers in all industries, it’s a high-risk hazard that businesses cannot afford to overlook. 

Choosing not to take preventative measures can come at a significant cost. 

“Workplace violence causes a ripple effect,” explains Kristy Cork, a consultant and healthy workplaces specialist with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). “When workers feel unsafe, threatened or at risk, your business will feel it too”. 

Consequences can include:

• Missed shifts and increased absenteeism 
• Declining productivity and performance 
• Reduced customer engagement 
• Frequent staff turnover 
• Damage to your business’s reputation 

“Left unaddressed, these issues can erode workplace culture, strain operations and ultimately affect your bottom line,” Cork says. 

Protecting your employees is the law

In Ontario, workplace violence is not just an operational concern—it’s a legal one. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), workers, supervisors and employers have clearly defined roles and responsibilities when it comes to preventing and responding to violence. 

Employers must take every reasonable precaution to protect workers and others from potential harm. This includes identifying, assessing and controlling hazards contributing to workplace violence. 

Elements of a workplace violence prevention program

To meet legislative requirements, your violence prevention program must contain specific elements, including:

• Measures and procedures to control identified risks of violence 
• Clear incident-reporting procedures 
• Steps for investigating and resolving incidents, with confidentiality considerations where required 
• Training for all workers and supervisors on risks, control measures and procedures 

These components help ensure workers understand the risks, know how to respond to incidents and trust that concerns will be taken seriously. 

The critical role of a risk assessment

Developing an effective prevention program depends on knowing where your risks are. The best way to do that is by conducting a violence risk assessment. 

“This is a critical step and one many workplaces overlook,” explains WSPS consultant Dennis Chennette. “It is arguably the most important part of the workplace violence legislation and something Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development inspectors are on the lookout for”. 

With more than 20 years of experience specializing in workplace violence and harassment, Chennette is frequently called into organizations after they have received a ministry order for non-compliance. In most cases, he says these orders reveal one of three issues:

1. No violence or harassment program in place 
2. Gaps or deficiencies in existing programs 
3. A failure to complete a violence risk assessment — the most essential step 

Free risk assessment tool

Rather than reacting to enforcement action, Chennette urges employers to be proactive. 

“Adding this requirement to your long list of responsibilities may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated,” Cork says. 

A new, free online Workplace Violence Risk Assessment Tool  provides employers with a modern and practical way to meet legal obligations and strengthen safety. Cork says she likes the tool because it "removes the guesswork". 

The digital tool guides employers through a set of questions regarding the nature of the workplace, the type of work performed and the working conditions. This provides clear guidance and enables organizations to meet OHSA requirements. 

“In less than 90 minutes, employers can gain a comprehensive understanding of where violence in their workplace is most likely to occur, understand how serious the risks are, and get practical controls and next steps for their business,” Cork says. 

By using this tool, employers can help reduce incidents, support their workforce and demonstrate leadership in health and safety before harm occurs. These actions send a strong message to staff and customers: respect works here. 

Additional resources

• Free Workplace Violence Risk Assessment Tool
• Free Webinar: Simplifying Compliance: Using the New Workplace Violence Risk Assessment Tool (multiple dates)
• Workplace Violence and Harassment Overview (article)
• Retail Safety and Security Guide 
• Small Biz Bytes: Workplace Violence and Harassment (video)
• Quick Safety Tips: Violence and Harassment (video series)
• Violence and Harassment Reporting Form
• Not Part of The Job: Protecting Workers from Violence and Harassment (pre-recorded webinar)