[ Female Teacher ]: Hi, I'm Jane and a grade 4 teacher

and ETFO member.

I'm visiting the Provincial Office

and have big news to share -

ETFO has a multi-year strategy

to address workplace violence in schools.

And I'd like to tell you about the important roles

that we educators have to make sure violence is reported.

Under current legislation, school boards, principals

and ETFO members have legal responsibilities

when it comes to reporting procedures for violence in schools.

Which means, ETFO members are required

to report a violent incident,

whether the physical force is actual,

attempted or threatened.

One of the first steps is to complete and submit

the school board's workplace violence reporting form

as soon as possible.

If the incident is also a serious student incident

under the Education Act,

you have to do the same

for a Safe Schools Incident Reporting Form.

Remember, if you're blocked in any way

from getting immediate assistance,

reporting an incident or getting action,

call your ETFO local or contact PRS

here at the Provincial Office for support.

Your principal must investigate

and deal with your report.

These actions can include…

An assessment or reassessment of the risks of violence;

Development of a safety or behaviour plan

in consultation with affected staff;

Progressive discipline for a student;

Or a review of emergency response procedures

including police contact.

If you become injured or ill due to workplace violence,

complete and submit your school board's injury

and illness reporting form.

And don't forget to get medical attention if it's needed.

You should also be aware that you have a right to know

about a person with a history of violence in your workplace...

that is, if you can be expected to encounter that person

in the course of your work,

and the risk of violence from them is likely

to cause you physical injury.

Your school board and principal are required

to provide you with as much information

about this person as is reasonably necessary

to protect you from injury.

Finally, we each have the legal right to refuse work,

or part of our work,

when there is a reason to believe

that it's likely to put ourselves in danger.

Keep in mind that a teachers' right to refuse work

must take into account the safety of students.

Before refusing work,

you should really seek the advice of your local.

If you believe you're in danger, get immediate assistance

and report your concerns to your principal right away.

I think we all realize it's going to take time to ensure

every principal and school board is doing their part.

In the meantime, contact your ETFO local

or the provincial office for further support.

We should all know our responsibilities and our rights.

Learn more through ETFO.