Ontario acts on workplace violence in wake of UFCW Canada campaign April 30, 2009 After intensive lobbying from UFCW Canada and other labour affiliates, the Ontario government has tabled legislation to protect workers from harassment and violence. Bill 168 is an Act which would amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters. The proposed legislation would, if passed: Require employers to develop a framework that would include policies and programs to help prevent workplace violence and harassment. Require employers to take reasonable precautions to protect an employee from domestic violence in the workplace. Allow workers to remove themselves from harmful situations if they have reason to believe that they are at risk of imminent danger due to workplace violence. Employers will have to be proactive. Companies will have to establish policies, measures, and procedures to assess and control risks, and audit the workplace to identify areas and circumstances where the potential for violence or harassment exists. Companies will also have to implement an action plan to protect and assist victims and potential victims, as well as a reporting procedure for threats or incidents. Under the proposed legislation, workplace training on how to deal with violence and harassment would also be mandatory. The government is also launching specific measures to tackle workplace violence in the health sector. Two newly appointed Healthy Work Environments Champions will work to build a culture of workplace safety in health care settings across the province. The Champions are: Rob Devitt, President and CEO of Toronto East General Hospital, Dr. Heather Laschinger, Distinguished University Professor and Associate Director Nursing Research at The University of Western Ontario, School of Nursing. Download Bill 168 Learn more about the bill