London - Heather Laschinger, Associate Director of Nursing Research at The University of Western Ontario, has been appointed as one of two Healthy Work Environment (HWE) champions for the province of Ontario.

Laschinger, who is also a professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, along with Toronto East General Hospital CEO Rob Devitt, are charged with the task of moving forward with Ontario’s goal of making this province the ‘employer of choice’ for health care professionals.

The government is set to introduce legislative amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act that would, if passed, better protect workers from workplace violence and harassment.
Hospitals and the health sector have been identified as one area where workplace violence is particularly prevalent.

“It’s time for strong action in Ontario,” says Laschinger. “Only two other provinces have legislation that specifically addresses bullying and other similar behaviours. A Health Canada survey in 2005 found that 28 percent of nurses experienced physical violence in the last year, and 47 percent reported emotional abuse.”

Laschinger says that burnout levels are severe in health professionals. A CMA study found 46 per cent of doctors reported severe burnout levels.

“In two of my own studies in 2006, 58 percent of nurses in Ontario reported severe burnout. This legislation is a first step towards addressing this distressing situation.”

The two champions will collaborate with the ministry and other health sector leaders to publicly promote the benefits of HWEs, and provide advice on how best to implement the ministry’s existing strategy to prevent workplace violence and create safe work environments for health care workers. These behaviours affect the physical and mental health of individuals, increase absenteeism and turnover, and can lead to patient suffering as well.

Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long Term Care, David Caplan, made the announcement today, saying, “Our champions will help us implement the ministry’s ongoing strategy to make healthcare settings safe for nurses, physicians, and all who work in the healthcare sector in Ontario.”

Deb Matthews, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, and MPP for London North Centre says,"Women in Ontario deserve to feel safe and respected in their workplaces. This legislation will help protect more women from abusive partners and from harassment in their workplaces."