According to the recently published Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations and Bill C-65, which will be taking effect on 1st January 2021, all Canadian employers must create violence and workplace harassment prevention policies by the next year. These protective measures for employees are an imperative aspect of the Canada Labour Code reforms, highlighted in the four portentous acts that obtained Royal Assent in 2018 and 2017.
According to Bill C-65, workplace violence and harassment is any misconduct, behavior, comment, or action that can be perceived as offensive, humiliating, and psychologically or physically disturbing or injurious by an employee. It also includes any action or comment of a sexual nature that can potentially cause physical, psychological, or emotional damage.
Procedures and Policies to Combat Workplace Violence and Harassment
Though policies vary for different food businesses, here are a few of the many factors that all must include:
- Employer’s commitment to protecting their staff against violence and harassment.
- Identify the factors that increase the risk of workplace harassment and violence.
- Identify important training and certification courses for a respectful workplace for both supervisors and employees.
- List the support policies available for staff.
Describe the immediate measures that must be taken if an employee’s safety or health is in danger.
Training for Supervisors and Employees
Food business owners must undertake training courses for managers, supervisors, and staff members to create a respectful and safe environment for everyone. Here are some elements that the training session must include:
- Educating employees on prevention policies and procedures for harassment and violence deployed in the workplace.
- Educating employees on the prohibited grounds for workplace discrimination as described by the Canadian Human Rights Act – Subsection 3(1).
- Educate employees on how to identify workplace harassment and violence and how to resolve, respond to, and prevent such incidents.
Restaurants, caterers and retail food business in Canada, can take advantage of the SafeCheck® Respectful Workplace Training for Employees and Supervisors at affordable prices and with unlimited exam attempts.
We also offer comprehensive and affordable food safety certification courses in Canada, offered in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Punjabi, and Hindi. Food Handlers Certification courses, and includes COVID-19 awareness and free unlimited exam retakes.
Contact us today for more information about our food handler, food allergen awareness, workplace safety certification courses in Canada. You can browse through our shop to find the right course for you and your staff!
