British Columbia Federation of Labour

Does the following explain your workplace?

• Working with the public.
• Handling money, valuables or prescription drugs.
• Working with unstable or volatile persons.
• Working in premises where alcohol is served.
• Working alone, in small numbers
• Working in isolated or low traffic areas

Does your employer have the following systems in place?

• Do you have check in procedure where somebody will check on you at a pre-determined time?
• Were you trained in what to do in the event of a theft or violence?
• Does your boss investigate all violent incidents?
• Are there systems in place to eliminate the potential risk?

What can you do?

Violence is considered a workplace hazard, and if you are at risk of violence in the workplace, your employer must eliminate the risk.

If you feel that you are not safe, inform your employer that they have an obligation to provide you with a safe workplace. If no changes are made, you can phone WorkSafeBC at 1-888-621-SAFE (7233).

There are laws that protect you:

• If you work alone, your employer is required by law to provide you with a written procedure to check on you during your shift to ensure your safety.

Your employer must also evaluate the risk associated with the job such as

• Working with the public.
• Handling money, valuables or prescription drugs.
• Working with unstable or volatile persons
• Working in premises where alcohol is served.
• Working alone, in small numbers
• Working in isolated or low traffic areas

The risk assessment must include the consideration of

• previous experience in that workplace,
• occupational experience in similar workplaces, and
• the location and circumstances in which work will take place.

If a risk of injury to workers from violence is identified by an assessment performed under section 4.28 the employer must

• Establish procedures, policies and work environment arrangements to eliminate the risk to workers from violence, and
• If it is not possible to eliminate the risk to workers the employer must establish procedures, policies and work environment arrangements to minimize the risk to workers.

Has your employer placed you in an unsafe situation when working alone. Let us know, and tell us your story.

Links:

Workers Compensation Working Alone Regulation 

Workers Compensation Violence Regulation

WCB Media Release on Gas Station Compliance

For more information on Workplace Violence click here.