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Hitting a coworker

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Toolbox Talk: Workplace Violence Prevention

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate employees on the importance of preventing workplace violence, including physical altercations such as hitting a coworker. By the end of this session, participants should understand the risks associated with workplace violence, how to identify potential hazards, and the measures to prevent such incidents.

Introduction

Workplace violence is a serious issue that can lead to physical harm, emotional distress, and a toxic work environment. It is crucial to address and prevent any form of violence, including hitting a coworker, to ensure a safe and respectful workplace for everyone.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to workplace violence.

Key Points

  • Definition of Workplace Violence: Includes any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site.
  • Impact on Safety and Health: Violence can lead to injuries, stress, and a decrease in workplace morale and productivity.
  • Legal Obligations: Employers are required to develop and implement a violence prevention plan to protect workers from violence and harassment [1].
  • Reporting Procedures: Employees should be aware of how to report incidents of violence or harassment [1].
  • Confidentiality and Support: Ensuring confidentiality and providing support to affected employees is crucial [1].

Hazard Identification

Common hazards related to workplace violence include:

  • Physical Altercations: Such as hitting a coworker, which can result in injuries.
  • Verbal Threats: Can escalate into physical violence if not addressed.
  • Harassment: Persistent harassment can lead to a hostile work environment.

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

Discuss the hierarchy of controls to prevent workplace violence:

  • Administrative Controls: Implement clear policies and procedures for reporting and addressing violence [1].
  • Training: Provide training to employees on recognizing and responding to potential violence [2].
  • Support Systems: Establish support systems for employees affected by violence, including access to counseling [3].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Recognize signs of potential violence.
  2. Report any incidents or threats immediately.
  3. Follow established procedures for handling conflicts.
  4. Use de-escalation techniques when appropriate.
  5. Seek assistance from supervisors or security personnel if needed.

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Not Applicable: PPE is generally not used for preventing workplace violence but focus on administrative and behavioral controls.

Real-World Example or Case Study

Discuss a scenario where a lack of reporting led to an escalation in violence, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and reporting.

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are some warning signs of potential violence?
  2. How can we improve our current reporting procedures?
  3. What support systems would be beneficial for employees?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

Outline the steps to take in case of an emergency related to workplace violence:

  1. Ensure personal safety first.
  2. Alert security or emergency services.
  3. Follow the workplace emergency response plan.
  4. Provide first aid if necessary and safe to do so.

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions and provide answers to common questions related to workplace violence.

  • Q: What should I do if I witness a coworker being violent?

A: Report the incident immediately to your supervisor or security.

  • Q: How can I protect myself from workplace violence?

A: Be aware of your surroundings, report any concerns, and follow safety procedures.

Summary

Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk:

  • Understand what constitutes workplace violence.
  • Recognize the importance of reporting and addressing violence.
  • Follow established procedures to prevent and respond to violence.

Action Items

List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk:

  1. Review and understand the workplace violence prevention plan.
  2. Participate in any additional training offered.
  3. Report any incidents or concerns immediately.

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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3 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 211

Open source document

Source excerpt

## Treatment or referral 391.2 An employer must ensure that a worker reporting an injury or adverse symptom resulting from an incident of violence or harassment is advised to consult a health professional of the worker's choice for treatment or referral. ## Entitlement to pay 392 When a worker is treated or referred by a physician under section 391.2 and if the treatment sessions occur during regular work hours, the worker is deemed to be at work during that treatment. AR 191/2021 s392;202/2024 ## Application of sections 392.2, 392.5 392.1 Sections 392.2 and 392.5 apply to the following where workers are ordinarily present during business hours: - (a) retail fuelling outlets; - (b) convenience stores or other retail outlets that offer limited quantities of general goods for sale such as food and household items, but not including pharmacies, liquor stores, cannabis stores or other retail outlets that focus on a narrow category of goods for sale. AR 191/2021 s392.1;202/2024 ## Additional requirements for violence and harassment prevention plan 392.2 (1) An employer must ensure that - (a) safe cash-handling procedures are developed and implemented, including procedures that minimize the amount of cash readily accessible to a worker at the work site, - (b) good visibility is maintained into and out of the work site, - (c) access by the public is limited in the interior of any buildings in the work site, - (d) the work site is monitored by video surveillance, - (e) signs at the work site are visible to the public indicating that the work site is monitored by video surveillance, and - (f) each worker working alone is provided with a personal emergency transmitter monitored by the employer or the employer's designate. 392.2 (2) An employer must ensure that, when the work site is open to the public between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., - (a) there is a time lock safe at the work site that cannot be opened by a worker between those hours, - (b) the quan

[2] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 209

Open source document

Source excerpt

## Part 27 Violence and Harassment ## 389 Repealed AR 202/2024 s7. ## Violence and harassment prevention plan 390 (1) An employer must develop and implement a violence and harassment prevention plan that includes the following: - (a) measures to eliminate or, if that is not reasonably practicable, control the hazards of violence and harassment to workers; - (b) any applicable requirements referred to in section 392.2; - (c) procedures to inform workers of the nature and extent of the hazard of violence and harassment, including information related to specific or general threats of violence or harassment that exist or may exist; - (d) procedures to report violence or harassment; - (e) procedures to investigate complaints and incidents of violence or harassment; - (f) provisions to protect the confidentiality of all parties involved in a complaint or incident, except where disclosure is - (i) necessary to - (A) investigate the complaint or incident, - (B) take corrective action, or - (C) inform the parties involved in the complaint or incident of the results of the investigation and of any corrective action to be taken to address the complaint or incident, - (ii) necessary to inform workers of a specific or general threat of violence or potential violence, or - (iii) required by law. 390 (2) When developing and implementing a violence and harassment prevention plan, an employer must consult with - (a) the joint health and safety committee, if there is one, - (b) the health and safety representative, if there is one, or - (c) affected workers, as far as reasonably practicable to do so, if there is no joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative. AR 191/2021 s390;202/2024 390.1 and 390.2 Repealed AR 202/2024 s9.

[3] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 210

Open source document

Source excerpt

## Domestic violence 390.3 When an employer is aware that a worker is or is likely to be exposed to domestic violence at a work site, the employer must take reasonable precautions to protect the worker and any other persons at the work site likely to be affected. 390.4 to 390.6 Repealed AR 202/2024 s9. ## Review of violence and harassment prevention plan 390.7 (1) An employer must review the violence and harassment prevention plan required by section 390(1) in any of the following circumstances: - (a) when an incident of violence or harassment indicates a review is required; - (b) where there is a change to the work or work site that could affect the potential for violence or harassment to occur; - (c) if the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative requests a review; - (d) at least every 3 years. 390.7 (2) When carrying out the review required by subsection (1), the employer must consult with - (a) the joint health and safety committee, if there is one, - (b) the health and safety representative, if there is one, or - (c) affected workers, as far as reasonably practicable to do so, if there is no joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative. 390.7 (3) The employer must revise the violence and harassment prevention plan as necessary following a review required under subsection (1). AR 191/2021 s390.7;202/2024 ## Training of workers 391 An employer must ensure that workers are trained in - (a) the recognition of violence and harassment, - (b) the violence and harassment prevention plan the employer has developed and implemented under section 390(1), including when revisions are made to the plan, - (c) the appropriate response to violence and harassment, including procedures for obtaining assistance, and - (d) the procedures for reporting, investigating and documenting complaints and incidents of violence and harassment. AR 191/2021 s391;202/2024 ## Investigation and reporting of incidents 391.1

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