Violence Prevention & Mitigation - Prevention
Awareness and preparation are key to preventing violence in the workplace. This section provides information on what resources are available to help team members identify warning signs of violence, and how to take action if and when their or other's safety is threatened.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Hazard identification, risk assessment, and controls are an important part of our approach to Safety Management.
Hazards are assessed to determine the degree of risk posed to team members, patients/families, and the public.
The degree of risk is determined by:
1. the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm and
2. the seriousness of harm that can occur.
The Hierarchy of Controls is used to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards including workplace violence. Most hazards are identified and assessed at a unit or department level, using a Job Safety Analysis and developing Safe Work Procedures in response.
Violence is a complex hazard, and as a result, the SHA has developed and continues to develop additional resources to assist with preventing violence. You can find more information in the PDF below.
Orientation and Training
The SHA provides orientation and training for new and existing employees.
SHA's New Hire Orientation includes information on safety reporting and 'stop the line', emergency response codes, and the online learning module for Workplace Assessment & Violence Education (WAVE) 101.
SHA staff also receive site and unit or department-specific training including emergency preparedness and response, and Job Safety Analysis and Safe Work Procedures for their position.
Depending on your role and where you do your work, you can also access more in-depth violence training.
Stop the Line
Stopping the line is a metaphor - with assembly line jobs, workers can be enabled to pull a cord to stop the assembly line if they see a problem.
‘Stop the Line’ lets anyone (patients/families, team members, and members of the public) stop an activity or process that they identify may cause harm to them or someone else until it is safe to proceed. Safety reporting and using 'Stop the Line' are key to eliminating preventable harm and advancing a culture of safety.
Developing Wellbeing and Resilience
You have access to resources and supports to build up your wellbeing and resilience, which can help you prepare for or handle challenging situations.
Wellbeing and Resilient Workplace: Resources and Supports (available on MyConnection #KB0011533) provides a Quick Reference Guide, developed for SHA staff and physicians. It was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it also has relevance for workplace violence.