Queen’s is strengthening and modernizing its workplace harassment and discrimination policy.

“The university wants to ensure all employees enjoy a healthy work environment where they are treated with respect and dignity,” says Dan Bradshaw, Interim Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources). “Beyond complying with current legislation, the updated policy reinforces the commitment we share with the Ontario government to prevent all forms of workplace harassment and discrimination.”

The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) was amended this year with the passage of Bill 132, the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act. As a result, Queen’s and all other employers in the province must ensure their policies define workplace sexual harassment and clearly state that workplace harassment includes workplace sexual harassment.

The updated policy reinforces the commitment we share with the Ontario government to prevent all forms of workplace harassment and discrimination.
— Dan Bradshaw, Interim Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources)

Furthermore, the legislation outlines new specific guidelines employers must follow when investigating incidents or complaints of workplace harassment.

“Even though amendments to the OHSA do not take effect until September 2016, HR has been modernizing its procedures and practices for some time to ensure that workplace issues are addressed in accordance with employer best practices,” says Heather Shields, Director and Counsel, Employee and Labour Relations. “The updated policy now reflects those provincial changes and other developments that have occurred at the university since the policy went into effect 10 years ago.”

HR, Faculty Relations and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) collaborated on amending the policy.

“All members of the Queen’s community share the responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe and secure work environment,” says Dan Langham, Director, EHS. “We are committed to providing managers and employees with information about the policy and procedures, and helping managers understand how to recognize, assess and address workplace harassment.”

The amended policy has been posted for feedback on the University Secretariat website. Comments can be sent to policies@queensu.ca. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 4 pm.