Office Bullying and Harassment Policy Volume Nov 2013 | Page 39

If the target of bullying and harassment feels safe and comfortable, he or she might approach the
alleged bully and make it clear the behaviour is unwanted, unacceptable, and will not be
tolerated. See www.worksafebc.com/bullying for an animated clip with suggestions on how to
start this conversation.
Report the issue
A workplace must have procedures for reporting and dealing with incidents or complaints of
workplace bullying and harassment. Workers who observe or experience bullying and
harassment are obligated to report it.
Outcomes
If bullying and harassing behaviour continues after the employer has investigated and addressed it,
targets should contact the person identified in the organization’s bullying and harassment
procedures. If a target feels his or her concerns have not been adequately addressed, he or she
could inform the next level of management, the union, or his or her professional association. The
WorkSafeBC
prevention information line (1.888.621.7233) also provides information to workers about occupational
health and safety.
Report all criminal activity to the police, including physical threats, assaults, and criminal
harassment, such as stalking.

Information for witnesses
All workers have legal obligations regarding workplace bullying and harassment. Refer to Part 1 of
this handbook for detailed information.
If you witness bullying and harassment, follow these suggestions:
•

report it — workers are required to report any bullying and harassment incidents
they witness in the workplace

Toward a respectful workplace

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