Workplace Violence And Harassment Policy
This policy establishes a zero‑tolerance framework for workplace violence and harassment, outlining investigation procedures, employee protections, reporting structures, and compliance obligations under WorkSafeBC and OSHA standards. Every worker, supervisor, and contractor is bound by these directives.
The Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy affirms the organization's absolute commitment to a safe, respectful, and productive work environment free from any form of violence, intimidation, bullying, harassment, or discrimination. This program covers all workers, including supervisors, managers, contractors, visitors, and any person who interacts with company operations. The policy aligns with Part 4 of the Workers Compensation Act (B.C.) and OSHA's General Duty Clause. Every report will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and resolved with appropriate corrective actions up to and including termination of employment and legal prosecution. Retaliation against any person who reports an incident in good faith is strictly prohibited and will itself be treated as a separate violation.
This policy applies to all company‑owned and leased workplaces, including field locations, client sites, vehicles, remote work arrangements, and any location where work‑related activities occur. It covers all employees, supervisors, managers, directors, contractors, subcontractors, temporary workers, co‑op students, volunteers, and visitors. Any behavior that constitutes workplace violence or harassment — whether physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, or electronic — is prohibited. The policy also addresses domestic violence that may manifest in the workplace. Supervisors and managers are held to a higher standard and must model respectful conduct and intervene immediately if they witness prohibited behavior. This policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect changes in legislation, case law, or operational needs.
- Zero Tolerance: Any act of violence, threat, intimidation, harassment, or bullying is prohibited. Violations result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination and referral for criminal prosecution where warranted.
- Risk Assessment: Each worksite must complete a documented Workplace Violence Risk Assessment at least annually and whenever operations, layout, or staffing changes. Assessments must identify specific hazards, evaluate severity, and implement controls.
- Mandatory Reporting: All workers must report any incident, near‑miss, or concern involving violence or harassment to their immediate supervisor or through the anonymous hotline within 24 hours. No reprisals will be tolerated.
- Investigation Protocol: Every reported incident will be investigated within 5 business days by a neutral, trained investigator. Findings and corrective actions will be documented and communicated to the complainant and respondent within 10 business days.
- Worker Training: All workers must complete annual training on recognizing, preventing, and reporting workplace violence and harassment. Supervisors receive additional training on investigation, de‑escalation, and support resources.
- Employer / Senior Leadership: Provide resources, approve policy, ensure compliance, and review incident trends quarterly. Ultimate accountability for a violence‑free workplace.
- Managers & Supervisors: Enforce policy daily, conduct risk assessments, receive reports, initiate investigations, and model respectful behavior. Must intervene immediately when witnessing prohibited conduct.
- Workers: Report all incidents or concerns, participate in training, follow directives, and refrain from any form of violence or harassment. Cooperate fully in any investigation.
- Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) / Safety Representative: Review policies, participate in risk assessments, monitor incident data, and make recommendations for program improvement.
- Human Resources: Maintain confidential incident records, coordinate training, support investigators, and administer disciplinary processes consistently.