Bullying in the Workplace” – The VR Professional’s Responsibility for Managing Risk of Harm to Clients

Presenter: Viki Scott  - Bio

Session Description

Workplace bullying is a persistent pattern of mistreatment from others in the workplace that causes either physical or emotional harm. It can include such tactics as verbal, nonverbal, psychological and physical abuse, as well as humiliation. This type of workplace aggression is particularly difficult because, workplace bullies often operate within the established rules and policies of their organization and their society. In the majority of cases, bullying in the workplace is reported as having been done by someone who has authority over the victim. However, bullies can also be peers, and occasionally subordinates.

Workplace bullying is a subset of workplace violence, and is prohibited in all workplaces in Canada. In some circumstance, such as cyber bullying, a “victim” of bullying and/or workplace violence is protected under the Canadian Criminal Code.

The psychological and physical effects of workplace bullying is covered by most Workers Compensation Agencies in Canada. The Ontario WSIB were the first to implement recognition for PTSD and OSI’s as a result of a Supreme Court decision.

Learning Objectives

The Participant:

1. Will have a better understanding of the “zero tolerance” legal framework, that prohibits “Bullying” in the Workplace;
2. Will learn the effects of bullying in the workplace specifically as it relates to the psychological health and wellbeing of employees, especially those with a disability;
3. Will acquire the ability for recognizing the signs of bullying, and the reasons it happens;
4. Will be provided with tools to assist the “victims” for recognizing, assessing and preventing bullying in the workplace.

Date: December 13^th 2021 – 1130 – 1300

CEUs will be offered for this session.