I was watching the news when a shocking report came on: a registered massage therapist (RMT) had been charged with sexual assault at a physiotherapy and wellness clinic. The name of the clinic sounded familiar. Then it hit me—I had been a client there. And even more unsettling, I had seen that very massage therapist twice.
At first, my mind raced back to my two sessions. I had gone in seeking treatment for an injured rotator cuff and a sore lower back. But now, I was reevaluating my experience through a different lens. I distinctly remember how much time he spent massaging my buttocks. When I mentioned that wasn’t an area of concern, he assured me that tight hip flexors could contribute to lower back pain and that his approach was necessary. At the time, I didn’t question it. After all, he was the expert—right?
But in light of this news, I started to wonder: was he truly applying the best therapeutic techniques, or was he taking advantage of his position? The unsettling possibility made me realize just how vulnerable clients can be when seeking professional care.
Ironically, around the same time I received those treatments, I had spoken with the clinic owner about mandatory training for her team. One of the courses I recommended? Workplace Violence and Harassment. The very training that could have helped prevent such incidents from happening. Did she take my advice and implement the training? I don’t know. But if she didn’t, she may now be facing not only reputational damage but potential lawsuits and hefty fines for failing to meet legal training requirements.
The truth is, while employers can’t control every action of their employees, they are responsible for educating and training them. Workplace safety isn’t just about preventing slips and falls—it includes protecting clients and employees from harassment and assault. Providing mandatory training ensures that employees understand boundaries, recognize misconduct, and know how to handle incidents appropriately.
This experience has reinforced my belief that compliance training isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a necessity. No one expects to become the victim of workplace violence, but without proper policies and education in place, businesses leave the door open to serious consequences.
As this case unfolds, one thing is clear: prevention starts with education. If you run a business that involves client interactions, ask yourself—have you taken the necessary steps to protect both your customers and your employees? If not, now is the time to act.
Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s work together to create safer workplaces for everyone.