Effective responses to workplace violence do not come naturally to everyone, and workplace violence policies and preventative practices do not materialize out of thin air. It is this premise that provides one of the driving forces behind a new Web site on preventing workplace violence.

This project is a result of the collaboration between the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Triune Productions Inc. and Random Access Multimedia, Inc., with the support from the National Crime Prevention Centre. The full, final version is anticipated to be ready in 2004.

The multimedia, interactive learning tool endeavours to provide the most comprehensive and engaging user experience on the topic. The goals are to create highly informed managers and staff, and provide access to practical tools, which will assist in identifying risk factors, developing workplace violence programs and responding to workplace violence incidents.

The site will also have the facility to create and provide an online membership forum with access to an entire library of information on issues of importance to their organizations.

It will include a number of specialized tools such as forms and legislation, articles and news, frequently asked questions, a moderated discussion platform, links to other important sites and key learning modules.

A prototype, with access to a limited number of topics, is available online. Visitors can play an important role in the development of the final product by providing feedback on the site in an evaluation form, available on the Web site. Ultimately, the site will provide both free information and services to the public and fee-based training.

You may visit the prototype site at www.randomaccesslearn.com/prototype/EvaluationHome2.html.