the written word

Bill 168 – The Scope of Compliance

Who Needs to Comply with Bill 168?

Anyone who employs more than 5 employees.

What is the Date that Organizations Need to Achieve Compliance?

June 15, 2010

What is the Definition of Harassment under Bill 168?

Workplace Harassment is defined as engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.

What is the Definition of Workplace Violence under Bill 168?

Workplace Violence is defined as:

• The exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause physical injury to the worker;
• An attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker;
• A statement or behaviour that 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.

According to the Act What Do Employers Need to Do?

• Prepare policies with respect to both workplace violence and workplace harassment.
• Post the policies in a conspicuous location.
• Review the policies annually.
• Develop a program to implement the workplace violence policy.
• Develop a program to implement the workplace harassment policy.
• Assess the potential for violence in the workplace via the creation of a organization-specific risk assessment.
• Report the results of the risk assessment to the JHSC.
• Reassess risk as necessary to protect employees from workplace violence.
• Take every reasonable precaution to protect the worker.
• If the organization is aware or ought to be aware that domestic violence is likely to expose a worker to physical injury in the workplace, requirement to protect the worker.
• Provide employees with information and instruction on the contents of the workplace violence and workplace harassment programs and policies.

Bill 168 - An Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act
with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters

Bill 168 - Compliance Checklist and Best Practices

Bill 168 - Ministry of Labour Guidelines