Conference to address violence, harassment in the workplace

According to statistics compiled by the Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board, the province has a significant number of incidents classified as workplace violence. But, says Glenn French, president and CEO of the Toronto-based Canadian Initiative on Workplace Violence, there are steps organizations can take to recognize and address risk before violence occurs.

French is among speakers slated to attend the WCB’s annual Compensation Institute on March 19 and 20 in Regina. His presentation is expected to touch on what organizations should have in place in terms of a comprehensive workplace and harassment prevention program. He said he will also talk about risk assessment, including how to manage specific risk pertaining to individuals where there is a fear they could become violent.

French said it’s clear when looking at world events — particularly some of the violent workplace-related incidents south of the border — that organizations often either overreach by suspecting violence is imminent when the problem is in fact something else, or underreach by not identifying and reporting true threats.

Here in Saskatchewan, assaults and other violent acts were the fifth-highest cause for workplace injury claims to the WCB in 2016, with a total of 968 claims.

That number includes a variety of actions, with close to one-third categorized as hitting, kicking and beating. Among the more serious acts listed are shootings, stabbings and sexual assaults, with three each.

He said one thing people should do is learn to listen to their “Spidey sense” when confronted by a situation or person that makes them uncomfortable.