Ontario employers are concerned about a new law on workplace violence and sexual harassment.
The new law which has been passed in Ontario requires employers to investigate incidents or complaints about harassment or sexual harassment at the workplace. The employer must inform in writing both the complaint and the accused of the results of the investigation and any measures taken as a result.
A strengthened program and mandatory training
It will also require them to develop their own program on harassment. This mandatory written document, which explains the company’s policy, must include the measures and procedures for informing their employer or hierarchical superior (or other if this person is the accused), and also a description of how the employer will investigate incidents and complaints. Raising awareness with employees, especially managers and executives, must be strengthened, as well as training for human resources members on how to investigate incidents and complaints, on the importance of confidentiality, and on the cases where legal advice must be sought.
Who is this new law for?
The law concerns all companies that employ at least one employee in the Province, in which the employer is located. However, employers under federal jurisdiction are not affected, such as banks, airlines, telecommunications companies or interprovincial transport (bus, train or truck). Employers have until September 8 of this year to comply with these new requirements.