Health & Safety
Violence & Harassment

It is our right work in an environment that is free from all forms and sources of violence/harassment.

Employers must strive to eliminate the risks of violence/harassment. Our members face violence and harassment in all sectors, whether it is in a hospital emergency room, a psychiatric setting, a geriatric facility or nurses who work in the community visiting clients. Harassment is not acceptable and such behaviour can escalate and has escalated to violence.

It is not “part of the job” to be physically or verbally abused by patients, residents, clients, the public or other employees. Don’t put up with it.

If you are in danger, call the police. ONA is there to protect you and to help you find the right resources.

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Resources

"Workplace violence is NOT part of your job." Infographic (PDF)

ONA Guidance and Resources

The resources, information and directives that ONA has produced will help you deal with violence and harassment in your workplace.

Workplace Violence and Harassment: A Guide for ONA Members

pdfJune 2021

ONA's Guide to Fatality, Critical Injury, Illness, Accident and Exposure

pdfNEWOctober 2024

Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and Checklists

docxNovember 2019

Private Citizen Laying Charges (Excerpts Primarily from Ontario Attorney General website)

pdfOctober 2016

Memo ``Employer's duty under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) as a sending hospital to disclose known risks`` July 26, 2013

pdfJuly 2013

Joint Health & Safety Committee Resources

Your safety committee/co-chair has the power to write recommendations to your employer and your employer has to respond in writing within 21 days. Tailor the templates below to help you to get started.

Sample Template - Hazards/Concerns and Recommendations to Employer: Workplace Violence

docxMay 2018

Ministry of Labour

There are specific sections in the Occupational Health and Safety Act related to workplace violence and harassment. The Ministry of Labour can inspect workplaces or investigate complaints, injuries or accidents with a view to determine compliance with health and safety law.

When inspectors find violations, they can lay charges and prosecute offenders or issue orders. Consult with your ONA bargaining unit leadership and Labour Relations Officer for help, but if danger is imminent, call the police and call your local Ministry of Labour office and use the resources on this page to help you address issues in your workplace.

Ministry of Labour Memo ``Work Refusals - limited right to refuse`` April 25, 2005

pdfApril 2005

Prosecutions

MOL Prosecution: Brockville Mental Health Centre (March 2015)

pdfMarch 2015

MOL Prosecution: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (January 2014)

pdfJanuary 2014

MOL Prosecution: Royal Ottawa Health Care Group (July 5, 2012)

pdfJuly 2012

MOL Prosecution: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (August 13, 2009)

pdfAugust 2009

Lori Dupont Inquest - Verdict of Coroner's Jury (December 11, 2007)