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TITLE:
SECTION:
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE & HARASSMENT PREVENTION POLICY
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
POLICY NO.:
04500-02
APPROVAL DATE: September 22, 2025
CAO Signatur·~ · ~ > - =--------
PURPOSE
The Town of Amherst is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace that promotes the physical
and psychological well-being of all employees. This policy outlines our commitment to preventing
workplace violence, harassment, and psychological harm, and to fostering a psychologically safe
environment in compliance with the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act and the Occupational Health
and Safety Act
POLICY STATEMENT
The Town of Amherst recognizes that workplace violence, harassment, and psychological harm are serious
occupational health and safety hazards. We are committed to:
-
Preventing workplace violence, harassment, and bullying.
-
Protecting employees from psychological harm.
-
Promoting psychological safety.
-
Responding promptly and effectively to incidents.
-
Providing training and resources to support a respectful and psychologically safe workplace.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors at all Town of Amherst workplaces,
including municipal buildings, vehicles, remote work settings, and off-site locations where Town activities
occur.
DEFINITIONS
Workplace Violence: as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act, workplace violence includes the
attempted, threatened, or actual conduct of a person that endangers the health or safety of another
person.
Harassment: Defined by the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act, harassment includes any vexatious
behavior or comment that is known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome, and includes
bullying, intimidation, threats, and unwanted behavior that causes harm.
Bullying: Repeated, unreasonable behavior directed at an employee or group that creates a risk to health
and safety. Examples can include verbal abuse, spreading malicious rumors, or deliberately undermining a
person's work.
Psychological Harm Any mental or emotional injury, distress, or adverse impact on an employee's
psychological well-being resulting from workplace violence, harassment, bullying, or other unsafe or
threatening work conditions.
TITLE:
SECTION:
POLICY NO.:
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE & HARASSMENT PREVENTION POLICY
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
04500-02
Psychological Safety: A workplace environment in which employees feel safe to speak up, contribute, and
participate without fear of humiliation, intimidation, or negative consequences to their dignity, health or
career.
Workplace: Any location where an employee is engaged in work on behalf of the Town, including
municipal buildings, community sites, vehicles, and virtuaVremote work settings.
OBJECTIVES
1. Prevent and eliminate workplace violence, harassment, and psychological harm.
2. Ensure all reports of workplace violence and harassment are taken seriously and addressed promptly,
confidentially, and without retaliation.
3. Conduct regular risk assessments of worksttes and job functions.
4. Maintain clear reporting, documenting, and investigation processes.
5. Provide appropriate support and accommodations to employees impacted by workplace violence.
6. Provide regular training to employees and managers on violence prevention, harassment awareness,
psychological safety, and reporting procedures.
REPORTING AND RECORD KEEPING
Employees shall report incidents of violence or harassment in accordance with 04500-02-P Workplace
Violence Procedure.
All complaints, investigations, and outcomes will be documented and retained in accordance with privacy
and legislative requirements.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
All managers and supervisors will receive training on preventing workplace violence, harassment, bullying,
and promoting psychological safety. Training records will be maintained, and refresher training will be
provided every three years, or after significant policy or legislative changes.
NON-RETALIATION
Employees who report incidents or participate in investigations in good faith will be protected from
retaliation. Retaliation of any kind is strictly prohibited and will result in corrective action.
(z
TITLE:
SECTION:
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE & HARASSMENT PREVENTION POLICY
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
POLICY NO:
04500-02
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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- -
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- - - - - -
Chief Admlnlstrative Officer
I I
Council
Directors/Managers/Supervisors
Human Resources
Employees
The CAO wilt
a.
Provide resources for training, risk assessment, and support
b.
Promote a safe and respectful workplace
-------------~
Members of Council will:
a.
Promote a safe and respectful workplace by endorsing and
upholding the policy
b.
Approve updates as req~ired.
Directors, Managers and Supervisors will:
a.
Maintain a safe and respectful work environment
b.
Res ond rom tl to re
rts of violence, harassment or bull in
Human Resources staff wilt
a.
Support reporting, investigations, and resolution
b.
Ensure appropriate confidential record keeping and manage training
ro rams.
All Employees will:
a.
Follow the policy and report incidents
.._ _______ ____
........ _ _;b::..:.-___.:C:..:::o..::;.o.:.;e::..:.rate wit~ investi ation and su
ort a safe wor lace
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT
I, (Employee Name), acknowledge that I have read and understood the Workplace Violence &
Harassment Prevention Policy. I agree to adhere to this policy and will ensure that any
employees working under my direction adhere to this policy. I understand that if I violate the
rules set forth in this policy, I may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of
employment.
Name:
Signature:
Date:
TITLE:
SECTION:
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE & HARASSMENT PREVENTION POLICY
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
POLICY NO:
04500-02
For Administrative Use Only:
VERSION LOG
Amended: added harassment, bullying, &
psychological harm; scope broadened to
include employees, contractors,
volunteers, & visitors in all work settings;
new definitions added for harassment,
bullying, psychological harm, &
psychological safety; objectives expanded
to include prevention, risk assessment,
support for affected employees & regular
training, introduces reporting, record-
keeping & non-retaliation language to
ensure accountabili and confidentiali .
Minutes Reference Date:.
September 22, 2025
May 26, 2008
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