Teachers have the right to a safe and harassment-free workplace as outlined in our Collective Agreement.
According to WorkSafeBC, violence against teachers in B.C. schools is a growing concern. While some incidents are minor, others involve physical harm like broken bones, black eyes, bloody noses, and psychological trauma. This increased violence is attributed to factors like over crowded integrated classrooms, inadequate staffing of support staff, and lack of appropriate training.
WorkSafeBC says, “Violence” means the attempted or actual exercise by a person, other than a worker, of any physical force so as to cause injury to a worker, and includes any threatening statement or behavior which gives a worker reasonable cause to believe that he or she is at risk of injury.”
If you have been involved in a violent incident, intentional or not, you should fill in a WorkSafeBC Worker’s Report of Injury or Occupational Disease To Employer (Form 6A) according to the instructions sent to your H&S reps. This includes written or verbal threats of violence as well. Proceed with the Violent Incident Reporting Process. The Employer should complete a risk assessment if a Safety Plan is not already in place. If the Safety Plan (ISEW) was followed but the violent incident still occurred, the Safety Plan (ISEW) should be reviewed to be made more effective.
If you are exposed to repeated violence over a period of time, you have the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work.
When new students are admitted to your school, you have a right to know if they have a history of violence. Exercise your right to know and make sure you are informed of any potential risks.
If you have further questions or concerns, reach out to the STA Health and Safety Grievance Officer at hs@surreyteachers.org.