Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is reviewing its policy for conducting health checks on sleeping visitors.
Last month, staff concerns about an aggressive and threatening man outside the James L. McIntyre Centenary Library resulted in the facility being placed on lockdown and a complaint being filed with the Ontario Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. was alleged.
Library staff notified the department after an incident involving an irritated person near the main entrance downtown on Sept. 11.
Employees expressed concern that their employers were not doing enough to protect them from violence.
“Our policy was that if we saw someone sleeping outside the library, we would come out, do a health check to make sure they were OK, and provide them with information about resources, local shelters, etc. ” said Matthew McDonald. Chief library officer.
“However, when staff approached them and attempted to speak to them, the person became very aggressive,” Ms MacDonald said. sue today.
“Staff then returned to the library and barred them from entering when they tried to enter.”
“No one was hurt. Some of our staff got a little scared when he became aggressive, but we made sure everyone was safe and called the police.”
“Police eventually arrested the gentleman and security arrived later and cordoned off the building.”
“I think he was taken to the hospital. I think they were a little worried that he would be released and come back. We had on-duty security remain in the library.”
McDonald said Department of Labor inspectors met with library management and staff.
“They are [the inspector] Although some proposals were made, no orders were issued. ”
The incident was also discussed at last week’s library board meeting, where MacDonald said the existing policy would be reviewed after conducting a new risk assessment.
Libraries have become much closer to front-line social service agencies in recent years, and MacDonald said he is very grateful for the new Neighborhood Resource Center, which will open up the street.
“Yes, there’s a real need in this area and we’re proud that we have a lot of beds right now. We can direct people,” MacDonald said.
The following is an excerpt from a field visit report prepared by Kirk Dillabaugh, Inspector General for the Department of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, on September 14th.
Employers were reminded that there is a duty to make workers aware of people they may encounter with a history of violent behavior.
Employers employ banning processes to exclude certain people from the workplace. We talked about recent violent incidents. It would be appropriate to notify the employee as soon as the person is identified.
Employers must only provide sufficient personal information to protect their workers.
Physical workspace:
It was noted that employers lock doors and worker areas to protect workers. Every worker knows where the lock is on the door, how the door is locked, who makes the decision to lock the door, and what the employer’s expectations are for how customers are treated in the event of a violent incident. It wasn’t clear whether he knew.
The employer has installed surveillance cameras around the workplace. There was a general discussion on things like blind corners. Areas facing the public are equipped with several high counters and plexiglass screens to separate employees from customers.
An employee monitors the downstairs toilet. If the key is not returned after a certain period of time, a worker will be present at the washroom to confirm the safety of the user. This activity has been noted as a high-risk activity and has resulted in several accidents among workers.
This item was discussed with the employer for consideration. It is unclear how workers will be alerted in the event of a violent incident.
Investigation is ongoing.
A copy of this report must be posted at your workplace.
