Post-incident workplace investigations
- September 24, 2026
- 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
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Live Virtual Workshop - $995.00
Supported by the Institute for Work & Health
Workshop Overview
Workplace investigations are a critical step in responding to incidents of violence, harassment, and other serious workplace concerns. When handled effectively, they can help restore trust, support affected employees, and reinforce a safe and respectful work environment. However, poorly conducted investigations may expose organizations to legal risk, undermine confidence in the process, and exacerbate harm to those involved.
This full-day virtual workshop will provide participants with practical tools and strategies to conduct fair, thorough, and trauma-informed investigations, examining obligations arising under occupational health and safety legislation and human rights statutes, collective agreements, and workplace policies when responding to workplace violence, harassment, and other health-and-safety-related incidents. Through expert instruction and applied learning, participants will explore the following questions:
- What legal frameworks govern workplace investigations into violence, harassment, and other health and safety incidents?
- When is a formal investigation required, and how should employers determine the appropriate scope?
- What steps should investigators take to ensure procedural fairness throughout the investigation process?
- How can investigators assess credibility and make defensible findings in complex, high-stakes situations?
- What are the key differences between investigating harassment or violence complaints as opposed to other OHSA-related incidents?
- How can investigators conduct interviews in a manner that is both effective and sensitive to trauma?
- What common pitfalls can compromise an investigation, and how can they be avoided?
- What obligations do employers have to take interim measures to protect employees during an investigation?
- How should findings be documented and communicated, and what makes an investigation report effective?
- What steps should organizations take following an investigation to address findings and prevent future incidents?
What to Expect?
This practical, interactive workshop will examine the key legal and practical considerations involved in post-incident workplace investigations, including harassment, violence, injuries, and near-misses. Through expert-led discussion, practical examples, and two interactive exercises, participants will explore when the duty to investigate is triggered, the key steps and responsibilities involved, and how to ensure investigations are fair, effective, thorough, and trauma-informed. The workshop will also address common procedural pitfalls, credibility and bias, confidentiality and privilege, and important steps to take after an investigation is completed. Participants will receive comprehensive digital program materials developed by Lancaster House’s legal editors and program lawyers to support continued reference and learning.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for professionals responsible for responding to workplace incidents, conducting investigations, or ensuring compliance with workplace violence, harassment, and occupational health and safety obligations, including:
- Human Resources and Labour Relations Professionals – HR managers, labour relations specialists, and employee relations professionals responsible for managing workplace complaints, conducting investigations, and ensuring legally compliant responses.
- Managers and Supervisors – Leaders responsible for receiving complaints, determining when investigations are required, implementing interim measures, and responding appropriately to workplace incidents.
- Workplace Investigators – Internal investigators, external consultants, and professionals seeking practical guidance on conducting fair, thorough, and trauma-informed investigations and preparing defensible reports.
- Health and Safety Professionals – Occupational health and safety practitioners responsible for responding to workplace violence, harassment, and other health and safety incidents while meeting legislative obligations.
- Union Representatives – Union officers, stewards, and labour advocates involved in supporting members through workplace investigations and promoting fair and effective workplace processes.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
• Determine when a formal workplace investigation is required and define its appropriate scope in cases involving violence, harassment, and health and safety concerns;
• Apply principles of procedural fairness and trauma-informed practice throughout the investigation process;
• Conduct effective interviews, including assessing credibility and managing sensitive or high-conflict situations;
• Identify common investigative pitfalls and implement strategies to ensure thorough, defensible findings; and
• Develop clear, well-reasoned investigation reports and recommend appropriate post-investigation actions.
Pricing
Speaker Lineup
Speakers
James Farrell
Solicitor and Staff Representative
Fish, Food and Allied Workers–Unifor (FFAW–Unifor)
John Illingworth
Employer Counsel
Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP
Nana Yanful
Lawyer/Workplace Investigator
Yanful Law
CPD Information
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada. More details regarding specific approvals from CPD accreditors to come.
Supported by the Institute for Work & Health