The Ministry of Labour charged the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group with three offences under the Occupational Health and Safety Act arising from a workplace violence incident on July 5, 2012, in the Recovery Program.
A patient became violent and assaulted two registered practical nurses and a personal care attendant.
The charges alleged failures to: (1) develop and maintain measures and procedures for summoning immediate assistance when workplace violence occurs; (2) provide sufficient information, instruction and supervision to workers to protect their health and safety; and (3) take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for worker protection.
The court found that the employer had developed and maintained appropriate policies and procedures, that workers had received adequate training, and that the response to the incident was immediate.
All three charges were dismissed.
