Workplace Violence Prevention Policy

applies to all employees at shop makers locations across canada our commitment shop makers is dedicated to the prevention of workplace violence and takes ultimate responsibility for the health and safety of its employees we are committed to taking every reasonable precaution to protect our workers from workplace violence originating from any source — including coworkers, supervisors, vendors, contractors, customers, and members of the public every shop makers worker is entitled to a workplace free of violence shop makers will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that no worker is subjected to violence in the workplace, and will take corrective action against any person under our direction who engages in violent behaviour scope this policy applies to all individuals interacting with our workplace, including supervisors and managers employees (full time, part time, casual, and contract) vendors and contractors members of the public (e g , customers, mall staff, delivery personnel) it applies to conduct that occurs at shop makers premises and at any work related location or event, including all shop makers retail locations and back of house spaces in british columbia, alberta, saskatchewan, manitoba, and ontario what is workplace violence workplace violence is the exercise, attempted exercise, or threatened exercise of physical force by a person against a worker in a workplace that could cause, or that causes, physical injury to the worker it also includes a statement or behaviour that a worker could reasonably interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker examples of conduct that constitute, or may lead to, workplace violence include but are not limited to causing or attempting to cause physical injury to another person making verbal or written threats displaying aggressive or hostile behaviour that causes a reasonable fear of injury or emotional distress possessing a weapon on company property or during company business intentionally damaging employer or employee property demeaning, belittling, or obscene remarks or gestures bullying singling out an individual for teasing or jokes based on protected characteristics acts motivated by or related to sexual harassment, domestic violence, or intimate partner violence this po licy a pplies to violence from any source, including coworkers, supervisors, and other shop makers workers customers and members of the public (a particular risk in retail environments) vendors, contractors, and delivery personnel domestic or intimate partners of workers, where the violence may enter the workplace risk assessment & prevention shop makers conducts and maintains a workplace violence risk assessment for each store location, taking into account the physical layout and security features of the store the nature of the work performed (e g , cash handling, opening and closing alone, working with the public) any history of violent incidents at the location or in similar workplaces risks associated with working alone or at off hours the risk of domestic violence entering the workplace the risk asse ssment is re viewed annually, at minimum after any workplace violence incident when changes to the workplace, work, or worker arrangements may affect violence risk at the opening of any new shop makers location based on each assessment, shop makers implements appropriate controls, which may include physical security measures, scheduling adjustments, communication tools, and additional training measures to summon immediate assistance in the event of an emergency or imminent threat of workplace violence, employees should move to safety first — leave the situation if it is safe to do so call 911 for any threat of immediate harm notify the store manager or the on duty supervisor as soon as it is safe contact mall security (where applicable) using the posted contact number use the emergency communication tool designated for your location (e g , panic button, intercom code, group chat alert) — refer to your store's emergency procedures each shop makers location has a written emergency procedures document posted in a conspicuous location in the back of house, outlining specific instructions for that store working alone & high risk procedures where workers may be required to work alone (e g , opening, closing, certain shifts) or perform higher risk activities (e g , cash deposits, end of day reconciliation), shop makers will identify those scenarios in the location specific risk assessment implement procedures to minimize risk, which may include scheduled check ins, scheduled call outs, second person requirements, route variation for deposits, and emergency communication tools provide specific training to affected workers domestic violence considerations shop makers recognizes that domestic violence can enter the workplace where shop makers becomes aware (or ought reasonably to be aware) that domestic violence may expose a worker to physical injury at the workplace, shop makers will take every reasonable precaution to protect that worker workers who are experiencing domestic violence — or who are concerned about a coworker who may be — are encouraged to confidentially contact people & culture to discuss available support, accommodation, and protective measures reporting workplace violence employees are strongly encouraged to report any incidents or threats of workplace violence as soon as possible how to report for immediate threats call 911 , then notify your store manager and people & culture (p\&c) for all other incidents or concerns submit the workplace harassment & violence report to p\&c contact p\&c directly at lianne\@shopmakers ca mailto\ lianne\@shopmakers ca if your supervisor is involved if the alleged source of violence is your direct supervisor or manager, you may report directly to p\&c lianne\@shopmakers ca mailto\ lianne\@shopmakers ca your other legal rights filing a report under this policy does not prevent a worker from exercising any other legal rights, including the right to file a complaint with the applicable provincial human rights commission, occupational health and safety authority, or law enforcement this policy is not intended to discourage or prevent any worker from exercising those rights right to refuse unsafe work in accordance with applicable provincial occupational health and safety legislation, workers have the right to refuse work that they have reasonable grounds to believe is likely to endanger their health or safety, including due to workplace violence workers exercising this right will not face reprisal the process for exercising this right is governed by the ohs legislation of the province in which the worker is employed contact p\&c for guidance investigation & confidentiality shop makers will investigate and address all incidents and complaints of workplace violence in a manner that is fair, respectful, and timely investigation process an investigation appropriate to the circumstances will be conducted into all incidents and complaints where applicable, the complainant and the alleged perpetrator (if a shop makers worker) will be informed in writing of the results and of any corrective action taken or to be taken records of all incidents and investigations will be maintained confidentiality shop makers will not disclose the name of a complainant or an alleged perpetrator, or the circumstances of the complaint, to any person except where disclosure is necessary to investigate the complaint or take corrective action necessary to protect the safety of a worker required by law (including disclosure to law enforcement) no retaliation employees who report incidents of workplace violence, who participate in an investigation, or who exercise the right to refuse unsafe work will not face penalties, discipline, or any form of retaliation retaliation against a person who has reported violence or participated in an investigation is itself a violation of this policy and will be addressed accordingly information sharing about known violent persons in accordance with ontario ohsa s 32 0 5(3) and similar provisions in other provinces, shop makers may disclose to a worker personal information about a person with a history of violent behaviour, where the worker can be expected to encounter that person in the course of their work; and there is a risk of workplace violence likely to expose the worker to physical injury disclosure is limited to what is reasonably necessary to protect the worker and is subject to applicable privacy laws accountability all managers, supervisors, and employees are expected to adhere to this policy shop makers will hold individuals accountable for violations, which may include disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment supervisors are specifically responsible for adhering to this policy and ensuring workers do the same providing workers with the information necessary to protect themselves reporting incidents and concerns to p\&c cooperating with investigations workers are responsible for working in compliance with this policy reporting incidents, threats, or concerns cooperating with investigations not engaging in or contributing to workplace violence training & communication shop makers will inform all workers of the existence and contents of this policy and the related workplace violence program provide information and instruction to supervisors and workers on recognizing, responding to, and reporting workplace violence provide additional training to workers in roles with elevated violence risk (e g , management, cash handlers, those who work alone) post this policy in a conspicuous location at each store and make it available electronically through rippling review of this policy this policy will be reviewed at least annually , or more often as needed, to ensure it adequately addresses the prevention of workplace violence reviews will also be triggered by any significant incident or change in workplace conditions updates will be communicated to all employees questions & support if you have questions about this policy, need to make a report, or require additional support, please contact people & culture department — lianne\@shopmakers ca mailto\ lianne\@shopmakers ca in an emergency, call 911 legal basis & provincial compliance this policy is intended to comply with the following provincial occupational health and safety legislation british columbia workers compensation act , ss 21–23 occupational health and safety regulation , part 4 (sections 4 27 – 4 31) — workplace violence alberta occupational health and safety act and ohs code , part 27 — consolidated violence and harassment prevention plan saskatchewan saskatchewan employment act , part iii (occupational health and safety), section 3 21 occupational health and safety regulations, 2020 , sections 3 11 and 3 26 (workplace violence) manitoba workplace safety and health act workplace safety and health regulation , part 11 (workplace violence) ontario occupational health and safety act , ss 32 0 1 – 32 0 8 (including the workplace violence risk assessment requirement under s 32 0 3 and the domestic violence provision under s 32 0 4)