Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Bill 168)

 As some of you may be aware, there have been some recent amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act relating to workplace violence, workplace harassment and domestic violence. These changes have direct implications for King’s as the College needs to demonstrate it is in compliance with the new legislation, which comes into effect June 15, 2010. Specific requirements include (but are not limited to):

  • Developing appropriate policies and procedures to deal with workplace violence, harassment and bullying;
  • Undertaking assessments to measure the risk of workplace violence and putting into place measures to deal with those risks;
  • Educating the College community with respect to these issues;
  • Keeping detailed records of any violence or harassment or investigation.

In order to meet the legislated requirements, the Executive of College Council has approved a new interim Workplace Violence Policy and has approved minor revisions to our existing Harassment and Discrimination Policy in order to cross-reference the proposed new policy. In September, a sub-committee of College Council will then be asked to review the interim new policy and policy revisions and to make recommendations to College Council regarding the establishment of a permanent set of policies that ensure our compliance with the College’s legislated obligations. The policy will then go to the Board for approval.

The approved interim policies are attached for your information.

Thank you!