What Does Bullying and Harassment Mean for You and Your Workplace? | WorkSafeBC

Summary

This video explains the concept of workplace bullying and harassment, highlighting its impact on workers and employers. It covers the legal obligations of employers to prevent and address bullying, such as creating policies, providing training, and ensuring a safe work environment. The video clarifies that bullying can occur between co-workers, employers, or even from external sources like customers. It also distinguishes between legitimate managerial duties and bullying. Finally, it emphasizes the role of workers in reporting incidents and the responsibilities of employers to take steps to safeguard worker health and safety.

Takeaways

• 😀 Workplace bullying and harassment include inappropriate conduct or comments that humiliate or intimidate a worker.
• 😀 Examples of bullying and harassment include yelling, name-calling, vandalizing personal belongings, and harmful initiation practices.
• 😀 Bullying and harassment can involve a single perpetrator or group and affect one or many workers.
• 😀 Workplace bullying can occur between co-workers, employers and workers, or from external sources like customers and clients.
• 😀 Cyberbullying is also considered workplace bullying and can occur through email, social networks, and other online platforms.
• 😀 Not all workplace management decisions, such as job duties or performance management, are considered bullying or harassment.
• 😀 Employers are legally obligated to take reasonable steps to prevent and minimize bullying and harassment in the workplace.
• 😀 Employers must create a policy addressing bullying and harassment and implement reporting procedures for incidents and complaints.
• 😀 Supervisors and workers must comply with the workplace policies on bullying and harassment and refrain from engaging in such behavior.
• 😀 Workers are required to report instances of bullying and harassment they witness or experience to ensure a safe workplace.
• 😀 Workplace bullying is a health and safety risk, and WorkSafeBC officers will inspect workplaces to ensure employers have taken appropriate action.

Q & A

What constitutes workplace bullying and harassment?

Workplace bullying and harassment include any inappropriate conduct or comments by a person towards a worker that they knew or should have known would cause the worker to be humiliated or intimidated. Examples include yelling, name-calling, vandalizing personal belongings, and harmful initiation practices.

Who can be involved in workplace bullying and harassment?

Bullying and harassment can occur between coworkers, between an employer and a worker, or even from external sources such as clients, customers, or workers from other organizations.

What is cyberbullying in the workplace?

Cyberbullying involves bullying and harassment that occurs online, such as through emails, text messages, social networks, or other websites.

What is not considered workplace bullying and harassment?

Decisions related to job duties, workloads, deadlines, and performance management by managers or supervisors are not considered bullying or harassment. These are part of their role in managing the workplace.

What are the legal duties of employers regarding bullying and harassment?

Employers are obligated to take reasonable steps to prevent and minimize bullying and harassment. They must also develop a policy, implement reporting procedures, and train supervisors and workers.

What responsibilities do supervisors and workers have to prevent workplace bullying and harassment?

Supervisors and workers are required to comply with employer policies and procedures regarding bullying and harassment and must not engage in such behaviors. Workers are also required to report bullying or harassment when they see or experience it.

What is the role of WorkSafeBC in workplace bullying and harassment?

WorkSafeBC prevention officers inspect workplaces to ensure that employers have taken reasonable steps to prevent and address bullying and harassment, in line with occupational health and safety policies.

How does WorkSafeBC define 'reasonable steps' for employers to prevent bullying?

WorkSafeBC outlines what constitutes reasonable steps in the occupational health and safety policies. These steps provide employers with guidance on actions to take when bullying is reported, helping them take positive measures to end bullying and harassment.

What resources are available for employers and workers dealing with workplace bullying?

An online toolkit is available on the WorkSafeBC website. It includes helpful information and advice, providing resources to address bullying and harassment in the workplace.

Why is workplace bullying and harassment considered a workplace hazard?

Bullying and harassment are considered a workplace hazard because they pose a significant risk to the health and safety of workers. Employers are required to protect workers' safety by addressing these issues promptly and effectively.