Workplace Harassment and Violence

Any action, conduct or comment that offends, humiliates, or causes physical or mental harm.

Rights and responsibilities

Every worker has the right to a safe workplace free from harassment and violence.

Employers are responsible for creating a safe workplace. They should know the legal requirements for workplace harassment and violence in their jurisdiction.

It is an employer’s duty to investigate, record, report and resolve all incidents of harassment and violence

Harassment and violence can affect any worker in any industry. It can include:

• bullying
• threatening behaviours
• physical attacks
• property destruction
• intimidating actions
• verbal abuse
• unfair treatment

Commit to a workplace that is free of harassment and violence

Assess workplace risks, like culture and activities, and outside factors, like customers or family violence.

Educate everyone on harassment and violence, including how to respond, how to report incidents and what supports are available.

Foster a respectful workplace by modelling cooperative, inclusive and fair behaviour.

Implement clear policies and procedures for minimizing the risks of harassment and violence and for responding to incidents. Outline and assign responsibilities, and communicate policies to all workers.

Outline the procedure for resolving incidents, ensuring fairness and confidentiality.

If you are being harassed, think you might have been harassed, or have witnessed harassment, report it.