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Workplace harassment legislation updated

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 10/21/2010 12:36 PM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

The province is introducing new measures to protect against psychological harassment in the workplace, labour and immigration minister Jennifer Howard announced Thursday.

Changes to the Workplace, Safety and Health Regulation will add new requirements to protect workers from all forms of harassment, including intimidation, bullying and humiliation.

"Manitoba now joins other provinces such as Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec in requiring employers to provide protection from such harassment," Howard said in a provincial government release. "This builds on other measures that protect workers from harassment based on age, race or gender and ensure that workplaces are respectful and safe for everyone."

Employers will be required to put in place measures to prevent such harassment and address it if it occurs. The province will help develop and implement policies and educate workers and employers about their responsibilities to ensure a respectful and healthy workplace.

A press release detailing Howard's announcement notes that normal and reasonable management actions, including discipline, are not defined as psychological harassment.

Howard also announced technical changes to workplace safety regulations in response to a recommendation made following the inquest into the 2000 death of a worker in a furnace explosion at Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting in Flin Flon.

Amendments will provide clear direction to employers and workers regarding the steps necessary to eliminate workplace hazards, strengthen requirements for use of personal safety equipment and reflect updated safety standards.

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