Introduction to

Workplace Violence

Part 1 This learning module was created by

NSHA Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness, 2017

Introduction

Workplace violence can affect any worker in health care

We must all be aware of the risks and know what we can do to prevent and manage violence in our workplace

Stop

Workplace

Violence

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Myths About Workplace Violence

Some common myths about workplace violence include:

it is part of the job

we can’t predict or prevent violent incidents

most situations will resolve themselves if given enough time

workplace violence is usually committed by people who “just snap” or disgruntled employees

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Objectives

In this tutorial you will learn about:

Definition of workplace violence

Your rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Our NSHA Workplace Violence Prevention Statement

Measures taken by NSHA to minimize or eliminate the risk of violence

Reporting incidents of violence

The need to investigate incidents of violence

The requirement to debrief and advise staff following incidents

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

What is Workplace Violence?

Definition

Violence in the workplace is legislatively administered under Section 82 of the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act through the “Violence in the Workplace Regulations”

The regulation defines violence as “threats, including a threatening statement or threatening behaviour that gives an employee reasonable cause to believe that the employee is at risk of physical injury” and/or “conduct or attempted conduct of a person that endangers the physical health or physical safety of an employee”

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

NS OH&S Act and

NSHA Policy

OHS Act Fundamental Rights

Nova Scotia Occupational Health & Safety Act

We must comply with all requirements of the Act.

The Act is based on the Internal Responsibility System, which describes a shared responsibility for safety and ensures three fundamental rights for all Nova Scotia employees.

• The Right to Know

• The Right to Participate

• The Right to Refuse

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

The Right to Know

RIGHT TO KNOW what hazards you are expected to work with, including violence.

You are entitled to training and information to allow you to work with the hazards safely.

You also have a right to information on issues that may affect your health and safety or the health and safety of others at the workplace.

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

The Right to Participate

RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE in decisions regarding health and safety in your workplace, including workplace violence prevention.

This right is achieved through your site’s Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) or Safety Representative (for very small sites).

Names of JOHSC members/Safety Reps are posted on designated bulletin boards located in our sites.

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

The Right to Refuse

RIGHT TO REFUSE work that you believe is unsafe.

If you choose to exercise this right, advise your immediate supervisor/manager. They will guide you through the specific process required under the Act.

The Right to Refuse should always be preceded by a collaborative, problem-solving discussion about how safety can be improved.

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

NSHA Policy

NSHA Policy NSHA-AD-OHS-001 Occupational Health and Safety Rights and Accountabilities describes overarching health and safety:

• Policy statements

• Guiding Principles and Values, and

• Responsibilities

This Policy sets the stage for how NSHA meets its obligations under the Act, including those related to workplace violence

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Workplace Violence Prevention Statement

Statement

The Workplace Violence Prevention Statement is part of a suite of policies and/or programs regarding inappropriate behaviour in the workplace -- Respectful Workplace, Harassment Response and Prevention (staff to staff behaviours) and Violence in the Workplace.

Incidents of offensive, inappropriate and/or disrespectful behaviour should be considered, in light of these policies and/or programs, as a continuum.

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

NSHA Statement

NSHA is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive working environment for staff, patients and visitors.

NSHA acknowledges that violence is an occupational health and safety hazard at the workplace. Violence can cause physical and emotional harm and have negative effects on the productivity of the organization.

NSHA views any acts or threats of violence in the workplace as unacceptable.

NSHA treats any act of violence within its scope of service as a very serious matter and will make every reasonable effort to identify potential sources of violence to eliminate or minimize the risk.

NSHA recognizes the need to balance the safety of staff, patients and visitors with its obligation to provide healthcare services to those in need.

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Minimizing or Eliminating the

Risk of Violence

Higher Risk Situations

Although violence can happen in any health care workplace, situations that can pose a higher risk include:

Providing direct patient/client care

Interacting with persons that are particularly troubled or in crisis

Interacting with persons who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Working alone or in isolated locations within sites or in the community

Working late or early morning hours

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Preventing Workplace Violence

NSHA will take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances to minimize and, to the extent possible, prevent workplace violence

To demonstrate this, NSHA has developed the Workplace Violence Prevention Program. The program will assist management in their areas of responsibility in meeting the requirements as set out in the “Violence in the Workplace Regulations”

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Our Workplace Violence Prevention Program includes sections on:

Workplace violence risk assessment

Effective control measures

Prevention planning

Education/training requirements

Incident reporting and investigation

Debriefings and support for persons affected by violence

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Training

NSHA management is responsible for ensuring that all health and safety policies and procedures, including those related to workplace violence, are clearly communicated and understood by all employees through both general and site specific training, and annual review of the program

Management will execute the program requirements fairly and consistently throughout the organization

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Employee Involvement

NSHA encourages and supports employee involvement and commitment to the design, implementation, and review of the Workplace Violence Prevention Program and will ensure that it is conducted in consultation with Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Reporting Incidents of Violence

Immediate Response and Reporting

If an incident of violence occurs, the NSHA Workplace Violence Prevention Program and *other related programs describe the immediate steps to be taken to ensure a safe person-centered outcome for staff, patients/clients, and others

Once the situation has been controlled and everyone is safe, it is critical that it be reported

*Other related programs include those for Code White, Lockdown and Least Restraint

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Incident Reporting

Always report incidents of violence to your immediate supervisor

Reporting an incident ensures that it will be reviewed to identify prevention opportunities

Also report the incident using the electronic reporting method used in your area

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Investigating Incidents

Investigation

An incident of violence must be promptly investigated to determine the causes and the actions needed to prevent reoccurrence

Notice of the actions taken to prevent reoccurrence of an incident of violence must be given to:

• any employee affected by the incident of violence, and

• the appropriate JOHSC or Safety Rep

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Debriefing Employees

Debriefing

Section 14 of the Nova Scotia Violence in the workplace Regulations states: • An employer must provide an employee who has been

exposed to or affected by violence at the workplace with an appropriate debriefing and must advise the employee to consult a health professional of the employee’s choice for treatment or counseling.

Occupational Health Nurses are often the first point of contact for referral/follow up

The NSHA Employee and Family Assistance Program provides resources to meet these needs

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Wrap-up

Conclusion

Most workplace violence can be foreseen and prevented

Many incidents result when the warning signs are missed or there is an expectation that the problem will resolve itself and necessary steps are not take to prevent it

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Resources and Links

Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act

The Nova Scotia Violence in the Workplace Regulations

Internal Responsibility System

NSHA Policy - NSHA-AD-OHS-001 Occupational Health and Safety Rights and Accountabilities

NSHA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

EFAP Workplace violence: recognizing it, responding to it

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

Refresher Quiz

1. Workplace violence is just part of the job

True

False

2. Which of the following is listed in the Internal Responsibility System as a fundamental right?

The Right to Refuse

The Right to Know

The Right to Participate

All of the Above

None of the Above

3. NSHA views any acts or threats of violence in the workplace as unacceptable.

True

False

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

4. Violence is defined as:

Threats that give an employee reason to believe they are in risk of injury

Conduct or attempted conduct that endangers physical health or safety

Threatening behaviour or statements that give an employee reason to believe they are in risk of injury

All of the above

None of the above

5. Why is it critical that all incidents of violence be reported?

Ensures that it will be reviewed to identify prevention opportunities

Helps identify patterns in behaviours

Helps to identify common triggers

All of the above

None of the above

6. If you are exposed to a violent incident the employer is not required to arrange an appropriate debriefing to discuss matters pertaining to that specific incident.

True

False

Complete the quiz, and check your answers on

the next page.

Quiz Answers 1. Workplace violence is just part of the job

True

False

2. Which of the following is listed in the Internal Responsibility System as a fundamental right?

The Right to Refuse

The Right to Know

The Right to Participate

All of the Above

None of the Above

3. NSHA views any acts or threats of violence in the workplace as unacceptable.

True

False

Workplace Violence Intro Part 1, 2017

4. Violence is defined as:

Threats that give an employee reason to believe they are in risk of injury

Conduct or attempted conduct that endangers physical health or safety

Threatening behaviour or statements that give an employee reason to believe they are in risk of injury

All of the above

None of the above

5. Why is it critical that all incidents of violence be reported?

Ensures that it will be reviewed to identify prevention opportunities

Helps identify patterns in behaviours

Helps to identify common triggers

All of the above

None of the above

6. If you are exposed to a violent incident the employer is not required to arrange an appropriate debriefing to discuss matters pertaining to that specific incident.

True

False