Workplace harassment policy for British Columbia: the rules and a free template
WorkSafeBC expects every employer to take reasonable steps to prevent or minimize workplace bullying and harassment. In practice that means a written policy statement saying bullying and harassment will not be tolerated, procedures for reporting and for dealing with incidents and complaints, training for workers and supervisors, and a review of all of it every year.
What the law requires in British Columbia
| The law | Workers Compensation Act and WorkSafeBC's Occupational Health and Safety policies on workplace bullying and harassment, including policy D3-115-2 (employer duties) |
|---|---|
| In force | In force since 1 November 2013 |
| Who it applies to | Employers covered by WorkSafeBC, including small businesses. If a small business has no one else workers can report to when the employer or a supervisor is the alleged bully, workers can contact WorkSafeBC's prevention information line. The policies we checked do not set a minimum number of employees. |
| Investigations | Your procedures must say how and when investigations will be done, what they will cover, who does what, how you follow up, and what records you keep, and you must make sure the procedures are followed. WorkSafeBC says an investigation must be reasonable and done in good faith, and should be fair, impartial and focused on finding facts. You are not required to hire an outside investigator. |
| Training | Train workers and supervisors to recognize the potential for bullying and harassment, to respond to it, and to follow the reporting procedures. Tell workers about the policy statement and the steps you take to prevent bullying and harassment, for example during orientation. |
| Review | Every year, review the policy statement, your steps to prevent or minimize bullying and harassment, your reporting procedures and your procedures for dealing with incidents and complaints. The review should take into account any incidents or complaints from the past year. |
What your written policy must include
- A policy statement that workplace bullying and harassment is not acceptable and will not be tolerated
- The steps you will take to prevent or minimize bullying and harassment
- Procedures for workers to report incidents or complaints: how, when and to whom
- How to report when the employer, a supervisor or someone acting for the employer is the alleged bully
- Procedures for dealing with incidents and complaints: how and when investigations happen, what they cover, the roles of the people involved, follow-up, corrective action and record keeping
Human rights law also applies
Harassment related to a protected ground such as sex, race or disability is also a human rights issue. In British Columbia, human rights complaints are handled by the BC Human Rights Tribunal.
Key terms: Workplace harassment · Sexual harassment · Workplace violence · Harassment investigation · Psychological harassment (Quebec) · Duty to accommodate · Human rights code (protected grounds)
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Questions
Does a small business in British Columbia need a bullying and harassment policy?
WorkSafeBC expects every employer to take reasonable steps to prevent bullying and harassment, including a written policy statement, reporting and complaint procedures, training and a yearly review. If a small business has no one else for workers to report to when the employer is involved, workers can contact WorkSafeBC's prevention information line.
How often must I review my harassment policy in British Columbia?
Every year. Review the policy statement, your prevention steps and your procedures, and take into account any incidents or complaints from the past year.
Do I have to hire an outside investigator in British Columbia?
No. WorkSafeBC says you are not required to, but the investigation must be reasonable and done in good faith, and should be fair, impartial and focused on finding facts.
Official sources
- WorkSafeBC, Bullying and harassment
- WorkSafeBC, Employer fact sheet: workplace bullying and harassment
- WorkSafeBC, Workplace bullying and harassment: frequently asked questions
- WorkSafeBC, Small business guide: workplace bullying and harassment
- WorkSafeBC Board of Directors decision: bullying and harassment policies (2013)
- BC Human Rights Tribunal, Human rights duties in employment
General information for Canadian employers, not legal advice. This policy is a starting point: read it, change anything that doesn't fit your workplace, and check it against your province's current rules, or ask an employment lawyer or HR professional to review it. Rules were checked against official sources on 5 November 2026.
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