Proper policies, communications and investigations are key to
dealing with workplace violence. In a case that reads like musical
chairs gone wrong, Belyea v Syncrude Canada Ltd., involves a
workplace altercation after a senior Syncrude employee finds a
junior employee sitting in his favorite lunchroom chair. After
conducting an in-depth investigation, Syncrude fired the senior
worker for cause. The worker then sued for wrongful
dismissal.
It goes without saying that workplace violence is a serious
concern to both employees and employers alike. Employees
reasonably expect safe workplaces and employers have a concomitant
duty to ensure their safety. Therefore, it is critical for
employers to understand how to minimize workplace violence and how
to respond when it arises. Syncrude's handling of this
situation is exemplary and offers key lessons on how to address
workplace aggression.
