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Workplace Violence Prevention Policy

Workplace Violence Prevention Infomation

Approval Date: February 28, 2022
Effective Date: February 28, 2022
Date Reviewed: January 2022
Replaces: Version 2015

Purpose

To define Cambrian College’s (‘the College’) commitment to provide a safe and respectful environment and to encourage a culture where all Community Members act with respect and dignity.

Scope

All Community Members when on College property or while conducting or participating in College business at any location. This policy also applies to situations arising from College business and of domestic violence where such violence threatens to intrude on the workplace. Further, it addresses a wide range of high risk or Behaviours of Concern which conflict with the College’s values and Code of Conduct.

Definitions

Community Members: all College staff, students, contractors, tenants and visitors.

Behaviours of Concern: Actions or behaviours either individually or collectively observed in individuals who were later involved in violent incidents. These include, but are not limited to, aggressive, abusive, or intimidating behaviours, harassment, threats, obscene acts, and other socially unacceptable and disruptive behaviours. Refer to Appendix A for more details.

Workplace Violence: refers to the exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause physical injury to the worker; an attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause injury to that worker; and, a statement or behaviour that is responsible for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker.

Policy Statements

  1. All College Community Members share the responsibility to create and maintain a safe and respectful College environment free from violent behaviour.
  2. Violence is not tolerated at the College.
  3. Weapons or replicas (anything used, designed or intended to be used to cause injury) are not permitted on the College property, except where approved and used directly for a permitted educational purpose.
  4. All reports of violent incidents or Behaviours of Concern are taken seriously, investigated and responded to according appropriate procedures and policies where relevant.
  5. Individuals who commit such acts may be subject to disciplinary action, criminal penalties, or both.
  6. The College is committed to providing training and education on violence prevention.

Responsibilities and Accountability

Vice President International, Finance, Administration and Applied Research is responsible for:

  • Ensuring the development, review and availability of this Policy.

College Members are responsible for:

  • Be familiar with the requirements of this policy and its associated Workplace Violence Prevention Procedure.
  • Fulfill the responsibilities as identified within the Workplace Violence Prevention Procedure.

Director, Facilities Management is responsible for:

  • Manage the operationalization of this Policy and its associated Workplace Violence Prevention Procedure.

Procedures/Forms

  • Workplace Violence Prevention Procedure
  • Procedures for Student Misconduct

Appendix A: Behaviours of Concern

The following behaviours or actions either individually or collectively have been observed in those individuals who have been involved in violent incidents. Behaviours should always be taken in the context of the situation. Multiple warning signs and signs of escalation may be apparent.

Behaviours of Concern include but are not limited to the following –

  • personality changes (e.g., someone who is normally outgoing and enthusiastic becomes quiet and withdrawn)
  • aggressive, inappropriate, or disrespectful responses or interactions with faculty, staff, or students
  • change in work habits (e.g., quality of assignments decline, are handed in late or not at all; class attendance decreases or ceases without explanation)
  • marked change in personal hygiene
  • frequent incidents of irritability
  • signs of alcohol or drug abuse
  • bizarre behaviour (e.g., talking to someone who is not present)
  • irrational beliefs and ideas
  • emotional fragility, experiencing sudden changes in mood
  • recurring troubled relationships – with peers, parents, and others
  • grandiose or narcissistic statements
  • social rejection and isolationism
  • fascination or preoccupation with weapons or acts of violence
  • excessive behaviours (e.g., gift giving, repeated or uninvited phone calls or emails)
  • lack of concern for the safety and wellbeing of others
  • blames others for their mistakes or problems