Office Bullying and Harassment Policy Volume Nov 2013 | Page 57

Glossary
Bullying and harassment (as defined by WorkSafeBC’s Occupational
Health and Safety policies):
(a)

Includes any inappropriate conduct or comment by a person towards a worker that the person
knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause that worker to be humiliated or intimidated,
but

(b)

Excludes any reasonable action taken by an employer or supervisor relating to the management
and direction of workers or the place of employment

Bystander: Anyone who witnesses workplace bullying and harassment
Complainant: The person who makes a complaint about workplace bullying and harassment that
is witnessed or experienced
May, Could, Should: These words suggest a recommended practice or workplace safety tip, but no
legal duty or obligation exists
Must: The word “must” identifies a legal duty or obligations of an employer, worker, supervisor,
or organization
New worker: A worker of any age who is either new to the workplace, facing new or different hazards,
or in a new workplace or location with different hazards from the previous location
OHS: Occupational health and safety
Respondent: The person identified in a complaint as the alleged bully
Target: The person who is being bullied and harassed
Workplace parties: A term referring to employers, workers, and supervisors
Young worker: Any worker under the age of 25

Toward a respectful workplace

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