2.16 Workplace Violence

The purpose of this Policy is to recognize Thunder Bay Public Library’s obligation to address the issue of workplace violence.

This policy addresses workplace violence at Thunder Bay Public Library as it relates to all persons, staff, and public.

The Thunder Bay Public Library Board is committed to the prevention of workplace violence and is ultimately responsible for worker health and safety.

“Workplace Violence” is defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act as the following:

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 behavior that it 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.

In pursuit of this goal, the Thunder Bay Public Library does not condone and will not tolerate acts of violence by any person in the workplace. We will take every reasonable precaution and implement measures to prevent violence and protect all employees from potentially violent situations.

As such, this policy prohibits physical or verbal threats, with or without the use of weapons, intimidation, or violence in the workplace to minimize risk of injury or harm resulting from violence to Thunder Bay Public Library employees.

There are two workplace violence employee procedures that implement this policy. They include measures and procedures to protect workers from workplace violence, a means of summoning immediate assistance and a process for workers to report incidents, or raise concerns. These procedures are referenced above.

Every worker must work in compliance with this policy and the supporting program. All workers are encouraged to raise any concerns about workplace violence and to report any violent incidents or threats.

Management pledges to investigate and deal with all incidents and complaints of workplace violence in a timely and fair manner, respecting the privacy of all concerned to the extent possible. The Thunder Bay Public Library will not discriminate or retaliate against employees because they are or are perceived to be victims of workplace violence.

Employees of the Thunder Bay Public Library will review this policy at least on an annual basis.