Workplace Violence and Harrassment
Why was the topic chosen and why it is relevant
Whether you are an employer or an employee, everyone is responsible for workplace safety. Within Canada, each province, territory, and the federal government, have Occupational Health and Safety legislation establishing rights and responsibilities for employers and employees. However, this legislation has not made workplaces safe and healthy in general.
Here are just a few examples of workplace violence, workplace harassment and domestic violence that employers and employees are facing today.
1. “Patrick Clayton a recipient of WCB benefits entered the Edmonton WCB office and held eight people hostage at gun point for 10 hours before surrendering to police” (Edmonton Journal, 2009).
2. “Pierre Lebrun, an Ottawa Transit worker, walked into work, shot four of his co-workers and injured two more before he took his own life. Mr. Lebrun alleged he was harassed because of his speech impediment” (Branswell, 1999).
3. “Lori Dupont, an OR nurse, was romantically involved with colleague Dr. Marc Daniel for 2 years. When the relationship ended, a disgruntled Dr. Daniel viciously stabbed Ms. Dupont 7 times in the chest at work. Minutes later, he self-administered a drug overdose and died 3 days later” (Schmidt, 2006).
Almost 1 in 5 violent incidents in Canada occurs at work which amounts to approximately 356,000 incidents of violence each year in the workplace (Statistics Canada, 2007). “Customers, clients, patients, students, workers, intimate partners, or family members may hurt, threaten, or harass workers while they are on the job” (Labour, guide 3, 2010).
Harassment has become a growing concern both in the workplace and in society. The norms and values in society have changed. Actions and words that were acceptable or tolerated before, are not anymore. Everyone needs to be aware of their rights and where they can turn for help and support. When a person is feeling victimized they can become withdrawn
Whether you are an employer or an employee, everyone is responsible for workplace safety. Within Canada, each province, territory, and the federal government, have Occupational Health and Safety legislation establishing rights and responsibilities for employers and employees. However, this legislation has not made workplaces safe and healthy in general.
Here are just a few examples of workplace violence, workplace harassment and domestic violence that employers and employees are facing today.
1. “Patrick Clayton a recipient of WCB benefits entered the Edmonton WCB office and held eight people hostage at gun point for 10 hours before surrendering to police” (Edmonton Journal, 2009).
2. “Pierre Lebrun, an Ottawa Transit worker, walked into work, shot four of his co-workers and injured two more before he took his own life. Mr. Lebrun alleged he was harassed because of his speech impediment” (Branswell, 1999).
3. “Lori Dupont, an OR nurse, was romantically involved with colleague Dr. Marc Daniel for 2 years. When the relationship ended, a disgruntled Dr. Daniel viciously stabbed Ms. Dupont 7 times in the chest at work. Minutes later, he self-administered a drug overdose and died 3 days later” (Schmidt, 2006).
Almost 1 in 5 violent incidents in Canada occurs at work which amounts to approximately 356,000 incidents of violence each year in the workplace (Statistics Canada, 2007). “Customers, clients, patients, students, workers, intimate partners, or family members may hurt, threaten, or harass workers while they are on the job” (Labour, guide 3, 2010).
Harassment has become a growing concern both in the workplace and in society. The norms and values in society have changed. Actions and words that were acceptable or tolerated before, are not anymore. Everyone needs to be aware of their rights and where they can turn for help and support. When a person is feeling victimized they can become withdrawn
References: Branswell, B. (1999). Ottawa capital shocked-massacre leaves five dead, Maclean’s. Retrieved from http://business.highbeam.com/4341/article-1G1-54384942/death-ottawa-capital-shocked-massacre-leaves-five-dead Canadian Human Rights Commission Committee on Pediatric Workforce. (2006). Prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace and educational settings. Pediatrics 118: 1752-1756. Retrieved from http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;118/4/1752 Hughes, Karen D Journal Staff. (2009). WCB hostage-taking ends peacefully, The Edmonton Journal. Retrieved from http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/ Police+respond complaint+Edmonton+office/2128080/story.html IAPA Labour Government Ontario. (2010). Employment Standards – Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/wpvh/appendix_c.php Labour Government Ontario Labour Government Ontario. (2010). Guide. Retrieved from http://www.labour.gov.on.ca./ english/hs/pubs/wvps_guide/guide_3.php Labour Government Ontario Labour Government Ontario. (2010). Key terms & concepts. Retrieved from http://www.labour. gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/wvph/concepts.php Labour Government Ontario. (2010). Workplace violence. Retrieved from http://www.labour.gov.on.ca./english/hs/pubs/wpvh/violence.php McCarthy, J McShane, S.L., & Steen, L.S. (2009). Workplace emotion, attitudes, and stress. Canadian Organizational Behaviour. Mcgraw- Hill Ryerson (pp.77 -96) Namie, Gary Queen’s University. (2010). Human rights legislation group – workplace harassment. Retrieved from http://www.queensu.ca/humanrights/legislationgroup/highlights/dutytorespond.html SACHA (n.d.) Schmidt, D. (2006). A killing at hotel-dieu. Windsor Star. Retrieved from http://www2.canada.com/windsorstar/features/dupont/news/story.html?id=0a88d4d2- 18bb-4ef5-bab5-4073ef937d03&p=2 Statistics Canada (2007). Study: criminal victimization in the workplace. The Daily. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/070216/dq070216a-eng.htm The Law Society of Upper Canada