FOLEY - Seguin Township’s library board has until September 4 to comply with Ministry of Labour requirements around safety.
The Ministry of Labour was called in to the Foley Library after two break-ins earlier this summer and a man’s alleged inappropriate use of the internet in July raised concerns for the safety of both library staff and patrons.
The ministry was called on August 13 about the board not having a workplace harassment/violence policy, inadequate emergency protocols and inaccessible emergency exits, said ministry spokesperson Matt Blager.
Visit
After visiting the library, the ministry has ordered the board develop and train workers on a workplace harassment policy, and develop violence and harassment programs that include measures to protect workers and require the investigation of complaints.
Risk assessment
The board must also do a risk assessment on the potential of violence at the Foley library.
“So, in other words, what kind of things can happen here, here is our policy on non-violence and if they happen, here’s what you do,” he said.
As of Wednesday morning Seguin library board Chair John Flynn hadn’t seen the list of the ministry’s requirements, pending a board meeting yesterday, and withheld comment.
The ministry also requires the library to have a posted copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.