The first step is understanding the legal definition of workplace violence as outlined by WorkSafe BC (Reg. 4.27):

“the attempted or actual exercise by a person, other than a worker, of any physical force so as to cause injury to a worker, and includes any threatening statement or behaviour which gives a worker reasonable cause to believe that he or she is at risk of injury”

No where in this language does it indicate that intent must be established, nor does it speak to the age or mental capacity of the person perpetrating the violence.  Violence is also not just a physical assault; verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation are all part of this unacceptable conduct in the workplace.  Please visit the BC Government’s website for further details.

Furthermore, Employers, or their Representatives, have a legal responsibility to conduct a risk assessment when the threat of violence exists in the workplace in order to eliminate or at the very least mitigate the risk to a worker.  More information regarding this process can be found on WorkSafe BC’s website.

If you, or someone you work with, is experiencing violence in the workplace it must promptly be reported to your immediate supervisor; the Union is also advising members to notify your sites CUPE JOHSC Rep.  If the appropriate response to your reporting is not being handled as required by WorkSafe BC then please contact an Elected Union Representative for immediate assistance.

In Solidarity