Studies indicate that violence in any workplace is a matter of significant concern across Canada, including British Columbia. Many employers and employees associate violence with physical assault, but it includes other acts such as threats, abuse and intimidation. Establishing an accurate number of workers affected is not easy because many cases go unreported.
Threatening acts like the destruction of property, shaking fists and throwing objects are also included in workplace violence, as well as insults, swearing or other forms of verbal abuse from both workers and other individuals in the workplace. Some workers may use written threats to intimidate colleagues. Harassment such as bullying, intimidation, humiliation, threatening gestures, causing embarrassment and annoying other workers are often cited in reports about workplace violence.
