Workers to be Better Protected From Violence on the Job

New regulations approved today, April 4, will help employers and employees reduce the incidence of workplace violence.

The regulations are an important part of the Department of Environment and Labour's Workplace Violence Prevention Strategy, to be launched later this month.

"The regulations strengthen employers' responsibility to protect workers from physical violence and threats of physical violence on the job," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour. "They outline the process to be followed in addressing the risk of workplace violence in sectors where the problem is most acute."

The regulations focus on improving safety in higher risk sectors -- such as health care, retail, schools and community colleges, and government services -- where workplace violence is most likely to occur.

"I'm very pleased that these regulations are coming forward and that the government is going to tackle the problem of reducing workplace violence with regulations and an awareness campaign," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont. "We understand from unions that has been an issue in health-care workplaces and this gives both parties the opportunity to address this important issue."

Government, as an employer, will lead the way in complying with the regulations. The Public Service Commission will amend training courses to address completion of workplace violence hazard assessments and will develop government policies that will support departmental initiatives.

"Ensuring that students, teachers and school staff have a safe workplace is of utmost importance," said Karen Casey, Minister of Education. "The Department of Education is working with school boards to implement behavioural supports for students in all schools in the province and initial results have been very positive."

"Nova Scotians deserve to be protected from violence in the workplace. I'm proud that government has worked with employers and employees to develop regulations that will help all Nova Scotians feel safer at work," said Human Resource Minister Carolyn Bolivar-Getson.

The new regulations require employers in certain sectors to assess the risk of violence and to implement a plan to reduce those risks. These requirements will better protect workers from violent acts on the job and ensure employees have information and training to know how to protect themselves.

Employers will be supported with information tools, a plain language guide to the regulations, and, in partnership with Workers' Compensation Board and Nova Scotia Community College, training sessions for employers and employees.

The regulations will be phased in to allow employers time to address them. Employers will have six months to complete a hazard assessment. A plan to address those hazards, including an implementation schedule, must be in place within a year.