Phase-in Helps With New Regulations for Workplace Violence

NOTE: The following feature was written for North American Occupational Safety and Health Week from May 6 to 12.

Nova Scotia recently introduced new regulations and a strategy to reduce workplace violence and clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of employers and employees.

Hundreds of interested groups offered input. The resulting plan uses education and awareness, legislation and regulation, partnerships, research, and the sharing of best practices to tackle the problem of violence and its consequences in the workplace. It gives employers and employees clear direction, and the tools to effect positive change detailing a path toward safer Nova Scotia workplaces.

"Awareness, training and education are key components. We need to promote greater awareness of the best practices that can predict, reduce or eliminate workplace violence," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour.

The regulation phase-in was planned to allow employers to incorporate violence prevention into occupational health and safety programs in stages, spreading the resource burden over 12 months. The strategy also ensures employers and workplace safety planners have the materials and advice they need to meet the deadlines.

"Whether you are an employer or employee, I encourage you to think about workplace violence prevention," said Mr. Parent. "Look for opportunities to apply these resources toward improving safety in your workplace."

The high price of violent incidents at work suggests it is in the best interest of employers to avoid them. The new regulations require some workplaces to plan and carry out activities to predict and prevent violence. They include, but are not limited to:

• Health care and related workplaces;
• Educational settings;
• Places where correctional or security services are in use;
• Service-sector businesses where money is exchanged or liquor is sold or consumed; and
• Other situations where employees interact with the public.

For more information about workplace safety see the website www.gov.ns.ca/enla/healthandsafety or call 1-800-952-2687.