Enhancing Workplace Safety and Empowering Employees at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare

At Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in Windsor, Ontario, the commitment to workplace safety and employee well-being is paramount. Under the leadership of Heidi Petro, Manager of Occupational Health and Safety, the facility has embraced a robust approach to crisis prevention and workplace violence reduction, using CPI training as a cornerstone of their safety strategy. 

Increasing Workplace Safety Through Training and Certification 

Petro’s team, which oversees organizational safety measures for more than 1,200 employees, plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation. The organization delivers comprehensive training for new hires and ongoing health and safety professional development. The Certified Instructors include two members from her department, the Manager of Organizational Development and the Safe Workplace Advocate, a position focused on investigating workplace violence incidents and spearheading prevention efforts.

The Certified Instructors ensure each employee at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare has access to the most up-to-date techniques in de-escalation and crisis prevention. New employees receive full Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training as part of their onboarding, preparing them to manage potential crises with confidence. Recertification is also stratified based on departmental risk, ensuring employees in higher-risk areas receive additional training and resources to maintain safety standards. 

The Role of the Safe Workplace Advocate 

One of the most significant aspects of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s commitment to violence prevention is the Safe Workplace Advocate. The Safe Workplace Advocate reports to the CEO and is responsible for providing leadership in preventing workplace violence and fostering a healthy workplace culture. This role also assists in the continuous development of a culture through conflict resolution strategies and education. 

The Safe Workplace Advocate role has transformed the way Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare approaches workplace safety, offering dedicated attention to violence prevention, tracking incidents and advocating for legislative and procedural changes when necessary. This unique position truly makes for a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program across their health system. 

The Safe Workplace Advocate is a Certified Instructor who relies on CPI skills when engaging in crucial conversations with patients or family members. 

Tailor Training Based on Risk Levels 

In the wake of COVID-19, Petro’s team undertook a complete review of their training programs, ensuring they were appropriately tailored to meet the needs of different departments. Through internal risk stratification, the organization identified areas where de-escalation techniques would be sufficient and other departments where full Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training was crucial. 

For lower-risk areas like dietary services and housekeeping, the organization introduced CPI’s Prevention First™ Online Training, which focuses on proactive verbal de-escalation and contacting security if situations escalate. This program has been especially well received, allowing employees to engage in relevant and effective safety training while feeling supported in their roles. 

“Feedback from our employees was invaluable in shaping our post-COVID training. It was clear that while some departments needed comprehensive intervention training, others could benefit from more specialized modules like Prevention First™.” 

– Heidi Petro, Manager of Occupational Health and Safety 

A Safer Future Through CPI Training 

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s partnership with CPI has empowered the organization to develop a culture where safety is ingrained in every aspect of operations. From onboarding to ongoing recertification, employees receive the training they need to prevent and de-escalate crises. With the support of the Safe Workplace Advocate, employees can trust that their organization is fully committed to protecting their well-being. 

In a world where workplace violence can have devastating consequences, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare stands as a model of proactive crisis prevention, demonstrating the sustainable impact CPI training can have on health care organizations. Through tailored training programs, diligent incident reporting and unwavering dedication to safety, the facility is setting a standard for how organizations can truly protect and empower their employees.