Workplace Violence

Violence Risk Assessment

• As a worker, you have the right to be informed about risks specific to your role and environment.
• As per OHSR 4.28, as a worker, you have the right to review your worksite’s violence risk assessment and participate in the assessment process to understand potential hazards.

Definition of Violence As per the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 4.27:

"Violence" means the attempted or actual exercise by a person, other than a worker, of any physical force so as to cause injury to a worker, and includes any threatening statement or behaviour which gives a worker reasonable cause to believe that the worker is at risk of injury.

A PCRA is an assessment that allows a health-care worker to evaluate the risks present for their patient, their colleagues, and themselves before providing care. Before each patient interaction, health-care workers should consider the following:

The Patient

• Are there additional precautions to consider, such as a history of violence or aggression?
• Has the patient been asked about any triggers for aggressive behavior or recent stressors?
• Do you believe the patient will be able to comply with worksite policies and follow instructions?

The Task

• What type of task am I carrying out?
• Is additional equipment (e.g., restraints, alarms) required to safely carry out the task?
• Are there additional considerations? (e.g., de-escalation techniques, presence of security personnel).
• Do I need assistance from a colleague or security staff?

The Environment

• Is the area well-lit and free from obstructions that could be used as weapons?
• Are there items present that could pose a risk, such as sharps or unsecured furniture?
• Are other individuals in the area who may escalate the situation?
• Is there a clear exit route if the situation becomes unsafe?

Am I Prepared?

• Do I know the safe work procedures for managing violent situations?
• Do I have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect myself?
• Do I have access to communication devices (e.g., personal alarm, radio) to call for help if needed?

For more information on a PCRA, please visit: BCNU PCRA Document.

• Use the hierarchy of controls to mitigate risks and provide care only when it is safe.
• Alert your worksite’s BCNU Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Representative and your Regional OHS Representative.
• Contact your BCNU Regional Occupational Safety Representative via the member portal. Provide your workplace and a description of the incident so they can support you.

Seek First Aid: If you have been involved in an incident, ensure you seek first aid immediately to address the injuries, even if they appear minor.

Report near misses, hazards and incidents to your supervisor or manager.

Health Authorities

• Report the near miss or incident immediately to the Provincial Workplace Health Contact Centre: 1-866-922-9464.

Independents & Affiliates

• Use your employer’s reporting system.

Time loss and WorkSafeBC Claims

• If an incident results in time loss from work, you must report the incident to WorkSafeBC.
• Submit a WorkSafeBC Claim. For detailed guidance, visit WorkSafeBC – How to Report a Workplace Injury or Illness

• Your safety is the first priority. You have the right to refuse work if you genuinely believe it would pose an undue hazard to your health or safety (OHSR 3.12).
• Do not enter areas without proper safety measures in place.
• As per the BCCNM Duty to Provide Care, you are not required to provide care when it is unsafe.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (NBA PCA 32.05)

• Critical incident support shall be offered to employees who have suffered a work-related, traumatic incident, including but not limited to violence, threat of violence, death of a colleague, or an unusual or unexpected patient death or a series of such incidents.
• Support will include access to practitioners experienced in trauma-informed practice (e.g., psychologists, psychiatrists, or registered clinical counsellors).
• Efforts will be made to provide appropriate supports within 48 hours of the incident.
• Employees will be notified of available supports, including the time, date, location, and practitioner information. Concerns about the practitioner will be addressed, and alternatives may be offered if needed.
• Participation in critical incident support is voluntary. Employees attending sessions will receive time off work without loss of pay or be compensated at the applicable rate of pay.

Additional Support Options

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): Access counselling through your employer’s EFAP program.
• Counselling via Benefits: Check your employer-provided health benefits for coverage details.
• WorkSafeBC: Critical Incident Response

Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees are a vital component in identifying, assessing, and mitigating workplace violence risks. JOHSCs play a key role in:

• Conducting Violence Risk Assessments (VRA): Collaborating with employers and workers to ensure VRAs are thorough and address specific workplace hazards related to violence.
• Investigating Violence-Related Incidents: Reviewing reported incidents to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Using WorkSafeBC Checklists: Utilizing inspection tools and resources, such as the WorkSafeBC Health Care Violence Inspection Checklist, to ensure compliance with safety standards and identify potential gaps in workplace safety.

For more information and resources to support JOHSCs in their role, contact your BCNU Regional OHS Representative via the member portal.