Background

• ISBN: 978-1-4435-2830-6
• Issued: March 2010
• Content last reviewed: March 2010
• PDF Version [ 403 Kb / 50 pages | Download Adobe Reader ]
• See also: Workplace Violence and Workplace Harassment

Workers may face violence and harassment in any workplace and from any person in that workplace.

There is a continuum of unwanted behaviours that can occur in a workplace. This can range from offensive remarks to violence.

It is important for employers to address any unwanted behaviours early to minimize the potential for workplace harassment to lead to workplace violence.

The harassing or violent person may be someone the worker comes into contact with due to the nature of his or her work. This may include a client, customer or patient.

The harassing or violent person may also be part of the workforce, including a co-worker, manager, supervisor or employer. Or the person may be someone with no formal connection to the workplace such as a stranger or a domestic/intimate partner who brings violence or harassment into the workplace.

Canada’s Criminal Code deals with matters such as violent acts, threats and behaviours such as stalking. The police should be contacted in these situations. Harassment may also be a matter that falls under Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

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