Postings - Post emergency telephone numbers.
- Post laws against assault, stalking or violent acts.
Staffing - Schedule at least two people per shift. Minors may not work without adult (age 18 or older) supervision after 8 p.m.
- Don’t require servers to wear revealing or sexy uniforms.
- Keep background noise to a minimum.
Entering and leaving - Have more than one exit employees can reach in case of emergency.
- Practice the “buddy system” to walk to public transportation and parking areas.
- Make sure back doors are locked at night. Employees should still be able to exit easily.
Security and lighting - Use alarms and locks, making sure they work properly.
- Use security surveillance cameras or mirrors.
- Provide a “panic” button, silent alarm or other means for employees to communicate with police or security.
- Provide adequate lighting and security in parking lots and other areas where employees go alone at night.
- Work with your local law enforcement to identify any special arrangements which might be useful in a particular location.
Ministry of Labour health and safety inspectors will enforce OHSA provisions for workplace violence and workplace harassment and determine if employers are complying with their obligations. Employers and workers should always contact police first in emergency situations, if threats or actual violence occur at a workplace.
About the author:  Carola Hicks is CEO of Workplace Safety Group, a company providing Health and Safety resources to associations and specialty industries nationwide. Carola has worked as a health care provider for more than 38 years, sharing her wealth of health and safety related knowledge. She can be contacted at 1-866-347-7707 or [email protected]
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