Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast! In this episode, we focus on the critical topic of workplace safety—a key factor for the success and sustainability of any business. From managing workplace violence and harassment to addressing theft and robbery, we explore how small businesses can take proactive measures to protect their employees and operations.Joining us is Pamela Patry, an expert health and safety consultant from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). With her extensive experience, Pamela shares valuable insights on simplifying safety practices, identifying warning signs of workplace threats, and utilizing free resources to create a safer work environment.In this episode, we cover:• Why Health and Safety Matter for Small Businesses: Why prioritizing safety is crucial for business success and employee well-being. • Managing Workplace Violence and Harassment: Practical steps to handle agitated customers and prevent escalation.• Minimizing Theft and Robbery: Tips on preventing theft and ensuring staff safety during robberies.• Simplifying Safety for Small Businesses: How WSPS provides free tools and resources to streamline safety.• Where to Find More Information: A guide to accessing safety resources and support.- - - - -Small Biz Safety Resources• WSPS Small Business Centre - Looking for Small Biz safety resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre. ( Visit: https://www.wsps.ca/how-we-help/small-business-centre )• Small Biz Safety Podcast - Let WSPS safety experts walk you through simple steps to make your workplace safer and your business better. ( Listen Now: https://soundcloud.com/smallbizsafety  )• Health & Safety Orientation Handbook Generator - Helping your small business quickly produce an employee health and safety handbook that adds value to your orientation training (Visit: https://smallbusiness.wsps.ca/safety-orientation-handbook/ )• Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Customer Care online or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777). ( Visit: https://www.wsps.ca/forms/customer-care ) - - - - -Additional Articles and Videos• Retail theft and violence: 6 ways to keep your staff and business safe (article) - A sharp rise in retail theft and associated violence is affecting the profitability of retail stores, and the health and safety of workers and customers. Get tips to protect your business and workers. ( Read: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/prevent-retail-theft )• Avoid violent encounters at work: 4 expert tips to safely handle a person in distress (article) - Workplace violence is on the rise. Prepare your employees to safely handle a person in crisis with these expert tips. ( Read: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/avoid-violent-encounters )• De-escalating high-stress situations at work: 4 stages to aggression, 4 responses (article) - No matter who is displaying the aggressive behaviour – a customer, client, contractor, co-worker or supervisor – knowing when and how to respond will keep everyone safe. ( Read: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/de-escalating-high-stress-situations-at-work-4-stages-to-aggression-4-responses) • Quick Safety Tips: Violence and Harassment (videos) - Everyone deserves a workplace free of violence and harassment. Get quick tips on creating a violence and harassment policy, learn de-escalation techniques, and more. ( Watch: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5FjdkloWJydY3W6kRjgE8QBMSROnRMY5)To learn more, https://www.wsps.ca/To learn more, visit https://www.wsps.ca/how-we-help/small-business-centre- - - - -A big thank you to Pamela Patry from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) for sharing her valuable insights on workplace safety. Pamela’s expertise in managing risks like violence, theft, and harassment provides essential guidance for small business owners. We appreciate your time and contributions, Pamela!Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand   IHG Hotels and Resorts: https://businessedge.ihg.com/s/registration?language=en_US&CanSME Google: https://www.google.ca/ Don’t forget to subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit!