Although healthcare makes up only 10.6% of the provincial workforce, it accounts for 54% of the compensation claims for violence.

Some may say it is “part of the job” for healthcare workers, since most violence is unintentional – brought on by patients or visitors who are injured, ill, upset, or frightened. In fact, workplace violence-related statistics are likely much higher in healthcare since many incidents go unreported or do not result in a WCB claim. Healthcare staff are encouraged to report all types of violence.

OHSAH, in collaboration with other healthcare stakeholders, through the Provincial Violence Prevention Steering Committee, is working to find solutions to violence in healthcare workplaces – including a new, recommended provincial violence prevention training curriculum.