Workplace Harassment in British Columbia

  • Recorded on: May 31, 2022
  • Length: 60 minutes

Summary

Lawyer David Brown and Lynda Foran of WorkSafeBC answer common questions about workplace bullying and harassment in British Columbia, including what it is and what you can do about it.

Highlights

In this webinar, you will learn:

  • What types of conduct fall within the scope of workplace harassment and bullying. [3:50]

  • Examples of situations that could be considered workplace harassment and bullying. [6:00]

  • The role that WorkSafeBC plays when there’s workplace harassment and bullying. [7:45]

  • Whether WorkSafeBC will step in to investigate a complaint about harassment and bullying. [10:35]

  • What options you have if you think you’re being harassed or bullied at work. [12:10]

  • Who to make your complaint to if the bully is also your boss. [18:35]

  • When you should consider reaching out to a lawyer. [22:15]

  • Why a co-worker who was investigated and found to be a bully remains employed at your workplace. [25:10]

  • How to distinguish between a stressful working environment and a toxic workplace. [31:30]

  • What WorkSafeBC can do if your employer has investigated your complaint and you’re not happy with the outcome. [35:40]

  • What you can do if you have complained to your union and they haven’t done anything about it. [40:15]

  • What happens next if your doctor has told you to take stress leave from work and call WorkSafeBC. [43:35]

  • What you can do if you don’t feel safe going to work but you need the money. [48:40]

  • Whether you can be fired if you complain and there’s a finding that there wasn’t harassment. [51:40]

  • How WorkSafeBC approaches an inspection if the perpetrator of the bullying is the same person who is supposed to be implementing the policy. [55:40]

  • How to address subtle verbal harassment from a supervisor. [57:40]

  • How to gather evidence of bullying and harassment. [60:15]

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Featuring

David Brown

A trusted workplace advisor to companies and individuals in BC’s Interior, David Brown is a co-founder of Ascent Employment Law in Kelowna. His practice includes assisting workers who have been wrongfully dismissed, experienced discrimination or harassment, or injured at work. He contributes to community endeavours such as Kelowna Community Resources and the BC Human Resources Management Association.

Lynda Foran

Lynda is a Bullying and Harassment Lead Officer with WorkSafeBC. She is a member of the provincial bullying and harassment team that provides information, guidance and resources to workers and employers.

Additional resources

From People’s Law School: 

From WorkSafeBC:

From Ascent Employment Law:

Additional resources:

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