Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention VR 10.1

This course is for workers and supervisors who need to recognize harassment and violence at work, prevent it where they can and respond when it happens. It defines harassment and violence as they relate to Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Plan for about two hours. You need 80% to pass, and then you can download and print a certificate of completion. The course provider recommends retaking it every three years.

The course covers:

• What counts as workplace harassment and workplace violence
• System and personal security measures that help prevent violence
• Warning signs to watch for
• Strategies for dealing with "different," "difficult" and "dangerous" people
• How people recover after harassment or violence at work

Here is what the rules say in Alberta, BC, Ontario and federally regulated workplaces:

• Alberta: employers need a violence and harassment prevention plan and must train workers to recognize violence and harassment, respond and get help, and report incidents. Training must also cover the employer's own plan (OHS Code Part 27, ss. 390 and 391).
• British Columbia: WorkSafeBC policy requires employers to train workers and supervisors to recognize and respond to bullying and harassment, and on the employer's reporting procedures.
• Ontario: employers must have workplace violence and harassment policies and programs, and give workers information and instruction on them (OHSA Part III.0.1).
• Federally regulated workplaces, such as banks, airlines and interprovincial trucking: employees must be trained within three months of starting and at least every three years (Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations, s. 12).

Need a different focus? Compare these, or read our guide to respectful workplace training in Canada.

• Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention: about 1.75 hours. Two courses in one, harassment then violence, covering Ontario Bills 132 and 168 and BC Bill 14.
• Workplace Violence Prevention (CAN): about 45 minutes. Violence only, built around a realistic scene of a supervisor confronting a troubled employee.
• The Respectful Workplace: about 60 minutes. Harassment, bullying and retaliation, with Ontario Bill 168, BC Bill 14 and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
• Managers and Supervisors: Workplace Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment and Violence Prevention: about 2 hours. Six chapters with case studies on the role managers and supervisors play.

Check these points with your employer:

• An online course covers the general part. Training on your employer's own plan, policy and reporting procedures has to come from your employer.
• If you work in a federally regulated workplace, training must be specific to that workplace and chosen jointly with the workplace committee or health and safety representative.