Workplace Violence & Harassment – Understanding the Law
Workplace harassment is never okay. YOUR employer has specific obligations under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to deal with workplace harassment.
Workplace harassment occurs when a person engages in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace which is known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome. This also includes workplace sexual harassment.
Workplace harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- offensive comments or jokes
- bullying or aggressive behaviour
- inappropriate staring
- sexual harassment
- isolating or making fun of a worker
What to do if you are being harassed at work
Tell your supervisor that you feel harassed at work and keep a written record of the following:
- when and where you were harassed
- what was said or done
- who said or did it
- the names of any witnesses
Please read the attached guide to understanding the law and how it applies to violence and harassment.
FAQ’s and the workplace harassment procedure is also attached below.