Employers in B.C. will be required to implement formal plans to prevent workplace bullying, violence and harassment under new legislation announced Wednesday by the B.C. government.
Amendments were introduced Wednesday that are aimed at preventing workplace harassment and bullying. Under the new rules, the definition of violence will be expanded, and employers will need to have plans designed to prevent it.
Many employers already have anti-harassment policies. Now they will become mandatory.
The new guidelines will be developed by WorkSafeBC, in consultation with B.C. employers. The organization will also develop a workplace violence and harassment toolkit.
WorkSafeBC will also include diagnosed mental disorders caused by workplace stress – including bullying and harassment – to the illnesses and disorders covered under worker’s compensation.
"Our government’s position on bullying is straightforward – it's simply not acceptable at any level,” said Margaret MacDiarmid, minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services. “That’s why one of the most important changes we made was to add specific references to bullying and harassment.”
