What is workplace violence?
Workplace violence is defined as “the threat or exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause physical injury to the worker”. The law’s definition of “violence at work” also includes domestic abuse that affects the workplace.
If you are experiencing workplace harassment, violence, threats, or abuse whether from colleagues, supervisors, or other managers, Canadian occupational health and human rights laws are clear: every worker has the right to a safe and respectful workplace. If you’re experiencing workplace violence, sexual harassment, or any form of abuse at work, you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced employment lawyer can help you take action to defend your rights and create positive change not only for yourself but for others facing similar challenges.
What is your employer’s responsibility to address workplace harassment or violence?
Your employer has a legal duty to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive work environment, free from any form of violence or harassment. If your employer becomes aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, of violence in the workplace, including domestic violence that could likely expose a worker to physical injury in the workplace, your employer must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect employees.
In short, your employer must have policies in place for preventing such behavior and addressing workplace harassment complaints. Your employer could be liable if they do not have a violence prevention policy in place, or if they do not take reasonable steps to prevent violence in the workplace.
When employers ignore these responsibilities, they can be held accountable under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other protective laws. As an employee, you deserve to work in a safe environment where you can focus on your role, not your safety. Our employment lawyers are here to support you in holding your employer accountable for their obligations. Whether you’re dealing with workplace harassment complaints that have gone unaddressed or other violations of your right to a safe workplace, our team is committed to being a strong advocate for your rights.
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How can a Whitten & Lublin workplace violence lawyer help you?
At Whitten & Lublin, our experienced workplace violence lawyers serving Toronto and the GTA are here to help protect your rights,and secure a safe work environment.
If you are facing workplace violence or harassment, our team will provide you with the guidance, support, and strong representation needed to address these challenges. Our workplace harassment lawyers will help you understand your rights and pursue every possible avenue to protect you against any form of workplace abuse. You have the ability to take control with Whitten & Lublin in your corner.
The moment a situation starts to feel unsafe or unresolved, it’s worth speaking with a lawyer. That doesn’t mean you’re committing to legal action. It means you’re protecting yourself. If you’ve reported the issue and nothing has changed or if the person responsible holds a position of power, it’s important to understand your rights before things escalate further. Workplace violence isn’t limited to physical harm. Threats, intimidation, or any conduct that makes you fear for your safety can cross a legal line.
A lawyer can help you make sense of what’s happening, review your employer’s responsibilities, and walk you through the next steps.
In some cases, yes. An employer isn’t just responsible for investigating complaints. They have a legal duty to provide a safe work environment. If they ignore warning signs, mishandle reports, or fail to take reasonable steps to protect you, that failure can become the basis for a legal claim. This might involve a lawsuit for constructive dismissal, a human rights complaint, or a claim for damages if the harm you experienced has had lasting consequences.
Every situation is different. What matters is whether your employer took the issue seriously and acted appropriately once they knew or should have known what was going on.
You’re entitled to a workplace that is safe, respectful, and free from violence or harassment. Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, your employer must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect employees from physical harm. That obligation includes creating prevention policies, investigating complaints, and acting quickly when issues arise. If your employer fails to act or ignores clear warning signs, they may be in breach of the law. You’re also protected from retaliation for speaking up. If reporting violence has left you feeling vulnerable or unsupported, that alone may signal a failure in your employer’s duty.
Yes. Workplace violence doesn’t have to involve physical contact. Threats of harm, aggressive behaviour, or verbal intimidation can all fall under the legal definition, especially if they create fear or put someone at risk. The law also makes space for patterns of conduct that, while not violent in the traditional sense, still amount to serious misconduct.
Harassment and bullying may not directly involve violent actions, but if the behaviour affects your ability to work safely or with dignity, it’s not something you have to tolerate.
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In need of legal advice? We are committed to treating your case with the care, dedication, and compassion that you deserve. Contact our employment and labour lawyers today to learn how we can help you understand and resolve your workplace legal matter.
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