Workplace Violence & Harassment Prevention

2. Violence in the Workplace cannot be tolerated. Safe workers mean better care. Let’s work together to reduce violence and harassment in healthcare Workplace Violence & Harassment Prevention

3. Learning Objectives Staff need to: • Be aware of Bill 168 and the legislation that protects employees from Workplace Violence • Understand and recognize what constitutes Workplace Violence and Harassment • Understand their rights and responsibilities when faced with violent or inappropriate behaviour

4. Overview of Workplace Violence One third of all workplace incidents involved a victim who was working in hospitals, nursing, residential care facilities and social assistance services. As per Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), 50% of all healthcare professionals will be physically assaulted during their careers. There are many things we can do to prevent violence and keep ourselves safe.

5. Rights and Responsibilities • Understand that your actions, words and behaviour can and do impact others; treat others with respect • Object to inappropriate behaviour when you see it or experience it • Refrain from participating in or encouraging behaviour that negatively impacts other individuals • Adjust your behaviour if someone has raised valid concerns with you • Staff have the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work providing it does not put the patient’s health or safety at risk. • There is a separate protocol to follow in this case located on the intranet under Corporate Policies, called “Refusing Unsafe Work”.

6. Rights and Responsibilities It is expected that SMGH employees, volunteers, physicians and trustees will demonstrate behaviour that is in keeping with the core values of our organization. Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and appropriate manner.

7. Examples of Workplace Violence/Harassment Violence at SMGH could include: • Physical attack • Threatening behaviour • Verbal or written threats • Harassment (harmful gossip, ridicule, intimidation, offensive language or jokes, other breaches of the SMGH Code of Conduct) • Sexual harassment • Verbal abuse • Bullying and sexual abuse

8. Workplace Violence Workplace violence can go beyond the traditional workplace including: • off-site business-related functions (conferences, trade shows) • Social media and events related to work • In employee’s home or away from work, but resulting from work (a threatening telephone call to your home)

9. The policy statements for these programs are located on the Health and Safety board, at the rear of the cafeteria near the washrooms. If you experience violence in the workplace or harassment please report this immediately to your Supervisor/Manager or Human Resources. Complete an incident form in RL6 All incidents or reports shall be investigated. There will be no negative consequences for reports made in good faith. If you are experiencing violence in your domestic life please inform your supervisor /manager so measures can be put in place at work to protect you and your co-workers. Violence in the Workplace and Harassment

10. Quiz 1 What does Violence at SMGH mean? • Threatening behaviour • Physical attack • Harassment and bullying • All of the above

11. SMGH Workplace Violence & Harassment Procedure

13. What Can Provoke Violence in Hospitals? For patients and family members: • Fear, anxiety • Loss/bereavement • Long wait times • Unmet care expectations • Crowded, uncomfortable waiting areas

14. What are Some of the Risks for Staff? • Working alone in isolated areas, poorly lit corridors or parking lots (easy target, nobody is around to assist) • Shift work (late nights, early mornings when nobody is around to assist) • Administering adverse, frequently painful procedures (causing anger in patient) • Having to deliver unwelcome news (upset or belligerent patients or family members) • Working with patients who are confused

15. Always Report Workplace Violence and Harassment