Bullying and Harassment in Workers' Compensation Claims (7:X)

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This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on 7 July 2026.



A. Overview

Workers are bullied and harassed when someone takes an action that they knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause that worker to be humiliated or intimidated. This does not include situations where an employer or supervisor takes reasonable action to manage and direct workers. Refer to OHS policy P2-21-2 for more information.

B. Procedures for workers

Workers who have witnessed or experienced bullying or harassment must report it to their employer. If the employer has not taken reasonable steps to address the incident, the worker can report the incident by calling the Prevention Information Line at 604-276-3100, which is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

If the matter remains unsolved after reporting to the employer and calling the Prevention Information Line, the worker may submit the Bullying and Harassment Questionnaire.

C. Procedures for employers

Employers must both implement procedures for responding to reports of bullying and harassment and ensure that they are being followed. The procedures must ensure a reasonable response to the report, aim to fully address the incident, and ensure that bullying and harassment is prevented or minimized in the future.

To develop and implement the procedures, the employer must include the following:

  • how and when investigations will be conducted,
  • what will be included in the investigation,
  • the roles and responsibilities of employers, supervisors, workers, and others (such as investigators, witnesses, or union representatives),
  • follow-up to the investigation (description of corrective actions, time frame, dealing with adverse symptoms, etc), and
  • how investigations will be documented and records maintained (employers should maintain records of investigations but should not submit to WCB unless requested by an officer).
© Copyright 2026, The Greater Vancouver Law Students' Legal Advice Society.