The recent tragic loss of life at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas has us all shocked. Yet, given the frequency of such heinous events, one is left to wonder why anyone would be shocked at all. As we all know through our practice, the incidence of workplace violence in schools has been increasing over the years. And, despite our tendencies to think of Canada as a land with gun safety, a quick search of the Google will reveal that we aren't immune to such extreme forms of violence. Violence is becoming normalized - a hazard one presumably accepts when entering the education sector. This cannot be the path forward. We can do better. The Board can do better.

In the wake of any violent act, it is imperative that the Board examine its security policies and practices to apply any learnings which might be gleaned from the event. In the case of Uvalde, it is believed that the shooter gained entry to the building through an exterior door which was not properly secured. Though questions linger on the specifics, it certainly gives reason for all schools to examine their security practices to ensure that any gaps are addressed.

In advocating for worker safety, the OECTA office reached out to the Board on May 26, the day after the Uvalde shooting, to request information about the HWCDSB building security policies and procedures. Our inquiry was met with silence. A follow-up email was sent on May 30. The Board, as of writing this, remains unresponsive, Surely, this is an easy one for the Board to knock out of the park - a softball over the middle of the plate. All exterior doors locked at all times. Keyless entry cards/fobs for all staff who rightfully ought to have access to the building. Rather than work with its partners in education, the Board chooses to ignore glaring security issues. Sadly, this is yet another example of the priority your employer places on the health and safety of education workers. Shame!

Why Report Violent Incidents

In addition to being the law, reporting of workplace violence is part of a process designed to identify and manage unacceptable behaviours with a mind to minimize the potential for these behaviours to lead to further violence. Information gleaned from reporting assists in securing the supports necessary to meet the complex needs of students who display violent behaviours in your classrooms. Further to this, the Board, as an employer in Ontario, requires violence to be reported so that its strict legal duties to provide workers with a safe work environment can be met. Once aware of a hazard, the Board must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers (OHSA 25(2)(h)).

When a Violent Incident Occurs

In any given set of circumstances, a combination of the following reports may be necessary. Please note that, "A person does not need to have the capacity to understand that their behaviour could cause physical injury to a worker [for their behaviour] to be workplace violence under the OHSA." (The Road Map to Reporting Workplace Violence in Ontario School Boards: A Training Resource for Principals and Staff, 2019)

1. Parklane Violent Incident Report

   • Completed for all acts of violence which meet the definition under the law.

   • Speak with your principal to complete the report

2. Safe Schools Incident Report

   • Completed if a student is involved and criteria outlined on the form are met.

   • Click here to access the form.

3. WSIB Form 6

   • Completed if injured and require healthcare and/or time away from work.

   • Contact the OECTA office for support.

If violence is being reported and steps are not being taken to support the student and the workers involved, please reach out to the OECTA office for guidance. Everyone has the right to a violence-free workplace!