At its March 2013 meeting, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved three new OHS workplace bullying and harassment policies:

• Employer Duties — Workplace Bullying and Harassment — D3-115-2
• Worker Duties — Workplace Bullying and Harassment — D3-116-1
• Supervisor Duties — Workplace Bullying and Harassment — D3-117-2

The Board of Directors’ resolution is available for reference.

Sections 115, 116 and 117 of the Workers Compensation Act set out the general duties of employers, workers, and supervisors respectively. The new policies have been developed to clarify the obligations of employers, workers, and supervisors regarding preventing, where possible, or otherwise minimizing workplace bullying and harassment.

A discussion paper relating to the proposed amendments was taken to public consultation in the fall of 2012.

These amendments became effective November 1, 2013 and the Prevention Manual was updated at that time. Further, a new guideline and a toolkit were developed to assist stakeholders to comply with the new policies.

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