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]
Attendee feedback
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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:
Making a claim for workers’ compensation, including for a psychological injury (called a mental disorder under the law)
From WorkSafeBC:
WorkSafeBC’s bullying and harassment page, with information and resources about bullying and harassment for workers and employers
WorkSafeBC’s resource toolkit on workplace bullying and harassment, featuring a guide for employers on how to prevent bullying & harassment, policy and reporting procedure templates, fact sheets, posters, and more
Prohibited action complaints, in which you raise a health and safety issue at your workplace and your employer takes a negative action because you reported the issue
WorkSafeBC’s bullying and harassment information desk: 1-888-621-7233
From Ascent Employment Law:
Additional resources:
Workers' Advisers office, which provides free advice and assistance to workers about workers' compensation issues
Employers' Advisers office, which provides advice and assistance to employers about workers' compensation issues
Workers Compensation Act and the BC Human Rights Code