AORS Survey: Public Interference & Worker Safety in Municipal Operations

After meeting with the Province on reports of increasing harassment, threats and interference amongst our members, they have requested data to be collected to better understand the issue. AORS is now collecting information from members and non-members within the public works industry across Ontario to better understand the increasing incidents of harassment, threats, and interference faced by municipal public works workers and contractors.

Your responses will help inform provincial advocacy efforts to improve worker protections, strengthen enforcement, and ensure the safe delivery of municipal services.

If you are in a supervisory position, please share this survey with your frontline staff to complete to ensure that their experiences are adequately captured. You can use the attached poster with QR code to hang in your garages and/or shops.

This survey should take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete. Responses can be submitted anonymously.

What Is Your Role?(Required)

Operator / Equipment Operator / Labourer / Seasonal Labourer

Lead Hand / Foreperson

Supervisor / Manager

Director / CAO / Senior Administration

Subcontractor / Private Sector

Retired

What Type of Municipality Do You Work In?(Required)

Lower-tier Municipality (Township, Municipality, Town, City)

Upper-Tier County or Region

Single-Tier Municipality

Subcontractor / Private Company

Other

What Region of Ontario Are You Located In?(Required)

How Would You Describe The Area You Work In?(Required)

What Is The Approximate Population of Your Municipality / Area You Work In?(Required)

Have you or your staff experienced harassment, threats or interference from the public while performing your municipal duties?(Required)

Yes

Not Sure

If yes, what types of incidents have occurred? (Select all that apply)(Required)

Verbal harassment / Yelling / Threats of Violence

Physical interference (blocking equipment, standing in front of vehicles, individuals climbing up onto equipment, etc.)

Physical Violence (Objects being thrown at personnel/equipment, physical assault, etc.)

Online Harassment / Social Media Posts / Phone Calls or Voicemails

Being Followed While Working / Stalking

If yes, what types of incidents have occurred - continued. (Select all that apply)(Required)

Aggressive Honking or Revving

Intentional Swerving or Driving Too Close (Tailgating)

Filming or Taking Photos In A Confrontational Way

Approaching or Accosting in Public Spaces (ie. Coffee Shops, etc)

Other Incidents

How frequently are these incidents occuring?(Required)

Rarely (once per season or less)

Occasionally (a few times per season)

Frequently (monthly)

Very frequently (weekly or more)

Have you noticed an increase in these types of incidents in recent years?(Required)

Yes, significant increase

Yes, slight increase

No change

Decrease

Have any incidents resulted in: (Select all that apply)(Required)

Work delays / Route or Service Disruptions

Staff Feeling Unsafe / Staff Refusing or Unable to Continue Work / Work Stoppages or Walk Offs

Need For Supervisor or By-Law Intervention

Police Involvement

Other

Which Activities Are Most Commonly Associated With Incidents In Your Experience?(Required)

Which Staff Members Are Frequently Affected In Your Opinion?(Required)

Operators

Seasonal Labourers

Supervisors / Foreman / Lead Hand

Subcontractors / Private Companies Hired By Municipality

Students or New Employees

Have incidents impacted winter maintenance operations specifically?(Required)

Yes

Not Sure

When Do You Believe Incidents Are Occurring More During?(Required)

Have You Noticed That These Incidents Contribute To Any of The Following In Your Workplace? (Select All That Apply)(Required)

Increased Stress or Anxiety

Greater Use of Sick Time

Staff Requesting Reassignments / Refusing To Work

Difficulty Retaining or Attracting Staff

Other

Are You Clear When To Stop Work Due To Public Interference?(Required)

Yes

Not Sure

In your opinion, how serious is this issue?(Required)

Have your formally reported these incidents to a direct supervisor?(Required)

Yes

In Progress

Some, But Not All Incidents

Has your municipality/company formally documented these incidents that have been reported?(Required)

Yes

In Progress

Unsure

If incidents of harassment, threats, or interference are not always reported to a supervisor or documented, what are the reasons? (Select all that apply)(Required)

Seen As "Part of The Job" / Not Serious Enough / Belief that Nothing Will Change / No Action Will Be Taken / Not Worth Reporting

Lack of Time During Operations (especially during storms)

Concern About Escalating the Situation / Fear of Being Blamed or Criticized

Lack of Clear Municipal/Company Policy or Guidance / Uncertainty About Reporting Process

Other

Have police been contacted regarding any incidents?(Required)

Yes

Not Required

Not Sure

If yes, what was the response?(Required)

Immediate response / support provided

Delayed response

Advised it was not a police matter

Other

Have You or Your Co-Workers Experienced Behaviours That Felt Minor At The Time But Were Still Distracting, Intimidating or Stressful?(Required)

Yes

Unsure

On A Scale of 1 to 5 (One Being Never, Five Being Very Often), How Often Do You and Your Peers Experience Public Behaviour That Is Not Violent But Feels Disrespectful, Intimidating or Unsafe?(Required)

Please enter a number from 1 to 5.

How Often Do Minor or Low Level Incidents Occur When Typically Not Reported?(Required)

Almost Every Shift During Certain Activities

At Least Once A Week During Winter or Construction Season

Once A Month During Winter or Construction Season

Rarely

Never

If Minor Incidents Occur, Why Are They Not Reported?(Required)

Did Not Seem Serious Enough To Report On Their Own

Happens Too Often To Report

Unsure What Should Be Reportable

Considered "Part Of The Job"

Other

To What Extent Do You Believe Harassment, Threats, or Physical Interference Toward Municipal Public Works Staff Is Normalized as "Part of the Job", Despite Similar Behaviour Being Unacceptable In Most Other Industries?(Required)

Completely Normalized As Part of The Job

Normalized To A Great Extent

Normalized To A Moderate Extent

Normalized To A Small Extent

Not At All Normalized

Do you feel current enforcement and legislation adequately protect municipal/subcontractor workers from threats, harassment, or interference from the public?(Required)

Yes

Unsure

Do You Believe The Public Understands That Interfering With Municipal Works is Unsafe and Dangerous For Them Too?(Required)

Yes

Unsure

What measures do you believe would improve worker safety? (Select all that apply)(Required)

Stronger Legislation / Penalties / Increased Municipal Policies/Procedures

Clear Enforcement Direction To Police

Public Education Campaigns / Enhanced Communication During Storm Events

Other

Unsure / No opinion

Do you support AORS advocacy for stronger provincial protections for municipal workers and subcontractors?(Required)

Yes

Unsure

Please describe any specific incidents or experiences you or your staff have encountered (including minor interactions).

Do You Have a Message You Would Like To Share With The Public and/or Elected Officials?

May AORS use your example or advice (anonymously) in advocacy materials to the Province?

Yes

Yes, but please contact me first (please provide contact information)

Would you be willing to speak further about your experience or advice?

Yes, please contact me (please provide contact information)

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

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