Workplace Violence Strategy released

A government strategy to reduce the number of violent incidents at work is being unveiled to Nova Scotians today, April 26.

The Workplace Violence Prevention Strategy covers education and awareness, legislation and regulation, compliance promotion, partnership development, information sharing, and evaluation and research. It was developed with public input, and will continue to reflect the experiences and advice of workplaces that implement it.

"The strategy outlines government initiatives and resources that will support workers' own efforts to maintain productivity while ensuring that workplaces are safe," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour. "Like most occupational health and safety initiatives, it focuses on identifying hazards and risks associated with certain jobs or settings, and establishing a plan to address those risks."

"The regulations and the supporting strategy send a clear signal that we will not tolerate violence in our workplaces," said Nancy MacCready-Williams, CEO of the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. "By working together, we can create safer workplaces in Nova Scotia."

The occupational health and safety division will be supply employers and employees with web resources, tools to share best practices, implementation guides, a plain language guide to the new regulations and, in partnership with Nova Scotia Community College, information and training courses.

"Training and education are key components," said Mr. Parent. "We need to promote greater awareness of the best practices that can predict, reduce or eliminate workplace violence."

The Workplace Violence Prevention Strategy document is available online .