Workplace Violence Prevention

Policy

The University of Waterloo, under Policy # 34 - Health, Safety & Environment is committed to maintaining a workplace that is violence free. Any act of workplace violence is unacceptable conduct that will not be tolerated. The university strives to minimize the risk of violence, and to ensure that reasonable safeguards are in place to protect members of its community from incidents of violence in the workplace. This section applies to activities that occur while on university premises and to work-related activities or social events occurring off-campus.

All members of the campus community have a responsibility in maintaining a violence free working and learning environment by not engaging in acts of violence and are encouraged to report incidents promptly as outlined in the Workplace Violence Reporting Procedures.

Anyone engaging in activities or behaviour found to be of a violent or threatening nature will be subject to disciplinary and other sanctions (up to and including termination of employment, expulsion and ban from university premises). Criminal or civil proceedings may also be initiated.

UW's Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Violence is defined in the Occupational Health & Safety Act as:

the exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause physical injury to a worker;
an attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker; or
a statement or behaviour that it is reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker

Training and Prevention

The University will provide training and implement preventative measures to minimize the risk of violence which may include:

Appropriate training and information on violence prevention to employees provided jointly by the Safety Office and UW Police, based on the level of risk identified.
Through risk assessment, the identification and implementation of physical or administrative controls in the work area to reduce the risk of violence.

Reporting

Anyone who experiences or witnesses violence or a threat of violence in the workplace, or who feels that a colleague, student or visitor is likely to become violent, is encouraged to report the situation:

a) Immediately to UW Police at x22222 or
519-888-4911, and

b) To his/her supervisor or an alternate from department management as soon as practicable.

The supervisor/alternate shall ensure that first aid and health care treatment are made available promptly, if necessary.

The supervisor/alternate shall promptly confirm that the matter has been reported to UW Police and that an Injury/Incident Report is completed and forwarded to the Safety Office by the end of the business day following the incident.

There shall be no reprisal against any member of the university community who, in good faith, reports an incident of violence or participates in an investigation.

Domestic Violence

If a worker reports that domestic violence may enter the workplace and cause physical injury, precautions will be taken to protect the safety of all workers by implementing appropriate safety measures.

Communication

When a worker can expect to encounter a person with a history of violent behaviour in the course of their duties and if the worker is at risk of physical injury, the worker will be notified of the risk and any safety precautions required.

Personal information disclosed shall be limited to what is reasonably necessary to protect the worker. Persons with supervisor authority who are responsible for disclosing personal information should contact UW Police (Director of UW Police or Manager of Police Operations) for direction.

Emergency Response

In case of emergency, immediately call 911, followed by UW Police at x22222 or 519-888-4911. Provide location and details of the incident. Inform your supervisor and others in the immediate area. UW Policy #60 – Emergency Response procedures apply in major emergencies.

Resources

Persons who have experienced or witnessed violence or a threat of violence are encouraged to access counselling resources (Employee Assistance Program, Counselling Services).

Investigation

UW Police will investigate any matter reported.

Workplace Violence Resources

Workplace Harassment Resources

Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Policy

UW's Workplace Violence Prevention Program