British Columbia ponders anti-bullying legislation
Victoria, British Columbia – Proposed amendments to a British Columbia workers’ compensation bill Bill 14) would expand the province’s current regulations governing workplace violence to include bullying and harassing behaviors. Among other amendments to (Bill 14):
- Workers’ compensation would be updated to cover mental illnesses, as identified by a psychiatrist or psychologist, caused by workplace bullying and harassment.
- Employers would be required to develop formal prevention plans and provide toolkits to increase workplace awareness and education activities.
- British Columbia lawmakers would consult with employer coalitions to develop prevention and communication best practices.
The United States, which according to the Bellingham, WA-based Healthy Workplace Campaign is the last western democratic nation without a law prohibiting workplace bullying, is considering similar legislation in 13 states.
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