On December 15, 2009 the Government of Ontario gave Royal Assent to Bill 168, entitled An Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters. This legislation will come into effect six months after receiving Royal Assent, being June 15, 2010, and will provide protection for both employees and employers in regards to workplace violence and harassment.
Bill 168 introduces definitions for both workplace violence and workplace harassment, as well as many new employer responsibilities including preparation of workplace policies with respect to workplace violence and harassment; reviewing these workplace polices at least annually; developing a program at the workplace to implement the workplace violence policy; assessments by the employer of the risk of workplace violence occurring; and reporting the results of these assessments to either the joint health and safety committee or to a health and safety representative.
For more information on this subject please visit Ontario Ministry of Labour.