What is harassment?
In short, workplace harassment is any behaviour demonstrated by another person in the workplace that makes an employee feel uncomfortable or unsafe. As defined in the regulation, the phrase “ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome” means that the person demonstrating the behaviour does not actually have to intend to make an employee feel harassed – if the term “they should have known better” applies, then it could be considered harassment. All behaviour must create a comfortable work environment for everyone. Harassment does not include an employer’s management decisions, such as scheduling and shifts, work assignments, deadlines, work evaluation, performance management or disciplinary actions. Managers should communicate these decisions in a way that avoids causing an employee embarrassment.
Components for Developing a Workplace Code of Practice for Harassment
This guide for managing workplace harassment is designed to help you meet your legislated obligations. It includes the required components of a code of practice.
Review and Update Your Code of Practice
We know that, as an employer, healthy and safe workplaces are as important to you as they are to us.
The regulations addressing workplace violence and harassment ensure New Brunswick’s workers are protected from a wider range of hazards. We’ve developed this guide to help you meet the requirements of these regulations, ensuring healthy and safe workplaces for all New Brunswickers.
If you have any questions, please review our FAQs. And if they aren’t answered there, contact WorkSafeNB at 1 800 999-9775 or email compliance.conformite@ws-ts.nb.ca
