The Nova Scotia Violence Prevention Plan and Workplace Harassment Prevention Policy are separate mandatory requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, but both aim to create safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces and require employers to take proactive steps in prevention, investigation, and training.

Key Similarities

• Shared Goal: Both policies aim to ensure a workplace environment free from harm, whether physical (violence) or psychological (harassment).

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• Employer Responsibility: Both require employers to establish and implement written policies, provide employee training, and take appropriate action to prevent and respond to incidents.

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• Mandatory Procedures: Both require specific procedures for:

  • Reporting incidents or complaints.

  • Investigating complaints promptly and appropriately.

  • Informing the involved parties of the investigation results and any corrective actions taken.

  • Reviewing and updating the policies periodically.

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• Focus on Prevention: Both emphasize the importance of awareness and prevention measures, as well as education and training for all employees on how to recognize, respond to, and prevent inappropriate behaviours.

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• Protection from Reprisal: Both frameworks include provisions that protect employees who make a complaint in good faith from reprisal or retaliation.

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• Confidentiality: Both policies commit to maintaining confidentiality regarding complaints and investigations, unless disclosure is required by law, necessary for the investigation, or required for corrective action. 

Writing your Policy or Plan

Whether you decide to write your Harassment Prevention Policy and Violence Prevention Plan together or separately, it is important to ensure all required elements are included as per regulated requirements.  

Click on the tabs below to find links and resources you can use depending on the route you choose to take. If you require further assistance, please reach out to the NSTSA office at safety@nstsa.ca.

Recent Updates

Amendments under the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act also took effect in 2025, defining "health and safety" to include psychological health and safety and expanding requirements for employers to create policies to prevent workplace harassment. This further reinforces the province's commitment to preventing all forms of workplace harassment and violence. 

Harassment Prevention Policy

Effective September 1, 2025, all provincially regulated employers in Nova Scotia must have a written workplace harassment prevention policy. This policy must outline the right to a harassment-free workplace, procedures for reporting and investigating incidents, and commitment to training. The new regulations aim to protect employees from both physical and psychological harassment, including bullying and threats.