On June 15th, 2010, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (formerly Bill 168) became law, and ALL Ontario companies now have to be compliant with the Act.
Even companies with 2 staff now have a responsibility to address workplace violence and harassment.
Under Bill 168, all employers are required to develop and maintain a program to implement workplace violence and harassment policies. The program must include measures and procedures to:
- Control the risks identified in the workplace violence assessment.
- Call for immediate assistance when workplace violence occurs or is likely to occur, or when a threat of workplace violence is made.
- Report incidents or threats of workplace violence to the employer or supervisor.
- Establish how the employer investigates and manages incidents, complaints, or threats of workplace violence.
So, what can you do? 
START WITH AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The cost of an EAP? Just a few dollars per employee per month.
Employers who are found to be in non-compliance with the new Act may be in violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and face fines of up to $500,000.00 and jail time!
For more information, please contact Chris Gory at either 416-754-3910/1-800-773-8638, or at chris @ canadianemployeebenefitplans.ca.
