In May 2026, Island Health entered into a one-year compliance agreement with WorkSafeBC to reduce workplace violence risks. As part of the compliance agreement, Island Health is committed to complete the following:
- Create high-risk Violence Risk Assessments where they do not exist or review and update existing ones. These will be conducted in the following phases:
- Phase 1 (May to August 2026): Emergency Departments
- Phase 2 (September to December 2026): Psychiatry and Mental Health units
- Phase 3 (January to April 2027): Medical inpatient units
- Additional Violence Risk Assessments will be updated as required at all other program units/sites following completion of these phases.
- Implement required steps for leaders following completion of each Violence Risk Assessment.
- Review how violence-related behavioural alerts are entered, viewed and updated in the electronic health record.
Clinical Leaders will participate in education webinars outlining leader responsibilities related to Violence Risk Assessments including a demonstration of the tracking system that monitors completion, implementation and communication of corrective actions. Health and Safety Advisors will assist them in completing/updating their site or unit’s Violence Risk Assessment including reviewing the corrective actions identified, implementing changes as necessary and updating staff about changes.
This work is vital for keeping teams safe at work and supports Island Health’s comprehensive approach to violence prevention which focuses on preparedness, prevention and continuous improvement.
Please reach out to the Medical Staff Health and Safety team with any questions you may have regarding Medical Staff participation in Violence Risk Assessments.