In the Workplace
Keep your workplace healthy by eliminating workplace bullying and other forms of workplace violence
Most of our lives are spent at work. A safe workplace encourages respect, creativity, teamwork, and productivity. An unsafe workplace creates fear, conflict, distrust, and reduced performance.
In Canada, a survey of people’s reported experiences of violence showed:
- 17% occurred in the workplace and included sexual assault, robbery and/or physical assault
- 38% of violent incidents were allegedly perpetrated by a current or former co-worker, or other work-related contacts including patients, clients or customers.
- People who were targeted by workplace bullying reported several emotional impacts, including feeling angry (21%); upset, confused or frustrated (20%); and afraid (15%).
Workplace violence does not only happen on-site; it can also occur at:
- Off-site business-related functions such as trade shows, conferences, or large meetings
- Work-related social events such as holiday gatherings or team-building activities
- Home—such as clients’ homes or even your own home (e.g., receiving a threatening phone call from a former co-worker).
To prevent workplace violence, both employers and employees share responsibility in creating safe, respectful environments.
Further Information
Download Preventing workplace violence—Information for PERSONNEL
Download Preventing workplace violence—Information for EMPLOYERS
Download information on Ten Steps to Creating Safe Environments, a 3-hour online educational program that offers organizations concrete action steps to reduce the risk of violence and increase protection.
Download information on Respect in the Workplace, a 90-minute online educational program empowering all employees to understand, recognize and deal with harmful workplace behaviours.
Violence Prevention in the Work Place (from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada/Labour)
Violence in the Workplace (from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
VO2 Health Focus helps individuals and organisations overcome safety training challenges by delivering accredited, hands-on first aid and CPR courses with a personalised, community-focused approach. Courses are designed to accommodate busy schedules and diverse learning needs, offering flexible delivery options, small class sizes, and practical simulations that foster confidence and competence in real-world situations. By emphasising accredited credentials, local instructor expertise, and clear outcomes. VO2 Health Focus serves across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Aurora, Newmarket, Markham, Ajax, Whippy, Oshawa, and Vaughan.