Workplace harassment can undermine a person’s dignity. It can prevent workers from doing their jobs effectively. Workplace harassment, left unchecked, has the potential to escalate into violent behaviour. All workers are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace.
Occupational health and safety laws require workplaces to have workplace harassment policies and programs.
A policy outlines the employer’s commitment to protecting workers from harassment. A program outlines the actions the employer will take to support the policy. Both should be in writing and posted in a conspicuous location so that they are available to all workers.
The program should be developed in consultation with the Joint Health and Safety Committee, Health and Safety Representative or other workers, as required by applicable occupational health and safety legislation. It should be reviewed annually or as often as necessary (e.g., after an incident).
Workers should receive training and instruction on the policy and program.
A Sample Workplace Harassment Complaint Form is available for download. The form provides employees with a structured way to document and submit a workplace harassment concern. Employers can customize the form to reflect their workplace policies and reporting procedures.
For guidance on developing and maintaining a workplace harassment policy and program, employers can refer to Ontario’s Code of Practice to Address Workplace Harassment under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The Code of Practice provides guidance to help employers understand and meet their workplace harassment obligations under the OHSA.
It is recommended to workplaces in other jurisdictions that they review applicable legislation to be sure that all requirements are met.
