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Are you a bully in the workplace?

Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Requirement:
What Businesses Need to Know

Q: What is this new B.C. anti-bullying/anti-harassment requirement and where did it come from?
A: In November 2011, the B.C. government introduced Bill 14 to amend the Workers Compensation Act to allow workers suffering from cumulative work-related stress to apply for and be granted benefits, whereas previously the stress had to result from sudden and traumatic events. The government introduced further amendments to Bill 14 in May 2012 to deal with workplace bullying and harassment. The bill became law in July 2012. Compliance with the WorkSafeBC policy is now mandatory.

Q: What does this mean for my business?
As of November 1, 2013, all employers will be expected to comply with WorkSafeBC’s Employer Duties – Workplace Bullying and Harassment (D3-115-2) policy. This policy explains WorkSafeBC’s expectations of “reasonable steps” for an employer to prevent “where possible, or otherwise minimize, workplace bullying.” Note, this applies to all employers, supervisors and workers.

Q: How can my business comply?
A: The new regulations require all B.C. businesses, large and small, to do the following:

1. Develop a policy statement that outlines how workplace bullying and harassment is not acceptable or tolerated;
• Tip: Develop your policy by following how-to’s and a template available from WorkSafeBC here, under the other resources section:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/BullyingAndHarassment/Resources.asp?reportID=37260

2. Take steps to prevent where possible, or otherwise minimize, workplace bullying and harassment;

3. Develop and implement procedures for workers to report incidents or complaints of workplace bullying and harassment including how, when and to whom a worker should report incidents or complaints. This must include procedures for a worker to report if the employer, supervisor or person acting on behalf of the employer is the alleged bully or harasser;
• Tip: Develop reporting procedures by following how-to’s and a template available from WorkSafeBC here, under the other resources section:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/BullyingAndHarassment/Resources.asp?reportID=37260

4. Develop and implement procedures for how the employer will deal with incidents or complaints of workplace bullying and harassment, including investigations and the scope thereof, roles and responsibilities, follow-up measures, and record keeping;
• Tip: Develop investigation procedures and guides by following how-to’s and templates available from WorkSafeBC here, under the other resources section:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/BullyingAndHarassment/Resources.asp?reportID=37260

5. Inform workers of the policy statement in (1) and the measures taken in (2);

6. Train all supervisors and workers to recognize the potential for bullying and harassment, respond to bullying and harassment, and be aware of procedures for reporting and dealing with incidents or complaints of bullying and harassment in (3) and (4) respectively;
• Tip: BC Chamber members can access a discounted, compliant course through the Respect Group. Program details:
• Proactive online solution
• 90 minute self-guided program
• With testing and certification this enables your organization to demonstrate compliance.
Program available to BC Chamber members for $32 plus tax (rather than $40). To register an employer and/or employees for the course, please contact Brad Blaisdell at bblaisdell@respectgroupinc.com or call 604.239.5523. You will need your Chamber code to access the discount.
Visit http://respectintheworkplace.com/ for more information about the program

7. Conduct annual reviews;

8. Not engage in bullying and harassment of workers and supervisors; and