On June 15th, Bill 168 amendments to the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) with respect to workplace violence and harassment will take effect.

To help employers prepare for the changes in the workplace, Cowan's Benefits and Retirement Consulting Division recently had a series of seminars in Cambridge, Ottawa and Timmins featuring a legal, medical and clinical overview of the legislation.

In addition to these seminars, a Workplace Violence Special Bulletin was co-created by Cowan Insurance Group and Frank Cowan Company.* The feature article in the special bulletin outlines the key tasks to complete before June 15^th. I've provided these points below:

(1) Conduct a risk assessment: Work with your Joint Health and Safety Committee, managers, employees and other key stakeholders to assess the risks in your workplace and any offsite locations.

(2) Prepare Your Program: The program should address:

• How you will control the risks identified during the assessment
• Emergency contact information
• How employees will be able to report incidents or threats in the workplace to an employer or supervisor
• How claims will be investigated
• Details of your training program for employees

(3) Post Policies and Conduct Training: Bill 168 requires that written policies for both workplace violence and workplace harassment be posted in the workplace. You are also required to have contact numbers in place for immediate assistance if someone feels they are in a situation of threatened violence. (Please note: If your workplace consists of five or fewer employees, the policies do not have to be posted. This is found in Section 32.01(3) of the legislation).

(4) Training: Be sure to include an emergency contact list in employee training. Employers should also identify how often instruction or training will take place - For all new hires? On a regular basis? When the policies and procedures change? When new risks become apparent? These are just some of the questions to consider.

(5) Reassess and Monitor: In addition to the initial assessment, Bill 168 requires ongoing monitoring and assessment of the risks of violence and harassment. We recommend you establish a protocol for reassessment, perhaps annually.

Other articles in the Workplace Violence Special Bulletin include:

• How to Manage the Risks
• Bill 168 - A Timeline
• ABC's - 26 Tips for Maintaining a Safe Workplace

To read all of the articles, please visit: Workplace Violence Special Bulletin

*Cowan Insurance Group and Frank Cowan Company are affiliated through common ownership.