A new Workplace Safety and Health regulation providing protection for workers against psychological harassment takes effect tomorrow, Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard announced.
“Many employers already have policies in place to address these issues and we have provided resources to help others develop a policy for their workplaces,” said Howard. “This proactive measure builds on efforts to protect workers from harassment based on age, race or gender and ensure that workplaces are respectful and safe for everyone.”
The new provisions will address psychological harassment such as intimidation, bullying and humiliation. Employers will be required to ensure that workplaces are free of harassment by developing and implementing policies to prevent and address harassment if it occurs, Howard said.
Policies, developed in consultation with the safety and health committee or representative at the workplace, must provide a process to receive and investigate complaints of harassment and take corrective action. Normal and reasonable management actions, including discipline, are not defined as psychological harassment, the minister said.
Resources are available at the Workplace Safety and Health Division to assist employers and workers in meeting these new requirements. These resources can be found by visiting the Safe Manitoba website at safemanitoba.com or by speaking to a client services representative with the Workplace Safety and Health Division at 945-6848 or 1-866-888-8186.
