As an employee in Ontario, you have the right to a workplace free from bullying, inappropriate and unwelcome actions and comments, sexual harassment, as well discrimination.

In other words, workplace harassment is completely against the law. The federal and provincial governments have created laws to protect workers from workplace harassment.

Employers have specific duties with respect to workplace harassment and workplace violence policies under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Bill 168, Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace) 2009.

Harassment at work may also be a matter that falls under Ontario’s Human Rights Code.  Note that Canada’s Criminal Code deals with matters such as violent acts, sexual assault, threats and behaviours such as stalking. The police should be contacted immediately if this is occurring.

Workplace Harassment Includes:

1. Bullying and intimidation
2. Racist and culturally offensive remarks
3. Unwelcome sexual remarks
4. Jokes that cause ridicule or are offensive
5. Offensive pictures or documents
6. Staring, following, stalking
7. Unwanted telephone calls, emails, text messages
8. Any other action or activity that belittles or embarrasses an employee

Harassment can come from anyone in the workplace including customers, clients, co-workers and superiors. It can be a pattern of ongoing behaviour or a single, serious incident with long-lasting emotional and psychological consequences.

If you are an employee who believes that you might be working in an environment that is unsafe it is important to fully know how the law applies to your particular situation. For this, you should make sure to consult an employment lawyer at Wahab Law who is experienced in workplace harassment cases.