How to Protect Yourself from Harassment at Work

Published on
April 17, 2025

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, harassment is defined as:

“Engaging in a course of vexatious [annoying or provoking] comment or conduct which is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.”

The key word is “unwelcome” – it doesn’t matter if the harasser claims they were joking or didn’t mean harm.

Workplace harassment includes unwelcome comments or actions about your race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. It also covers general workplace harassment like bullying, threats, or creating a poisoned work environment

How to Report and File Harassment Complaints

Start with your employer’s internal process. Most companies have harassment policies requiring you to report to HR or management first. Make your complaint in writing, include specific dates and incidents, and keep copies of everything.

If internal reporting fails or you face retaliation, you have several external options depending on your situation:

Human Rights Complaints: File with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal if harassment is based on protected grounds (race, gender, disability, etc.). This is free and can result in compensation and orders to stop the harassment.

Occupational Health and Safety: Contact the Ministry of Labour if your employer violates workplace harassment requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Police: For criminal behavior like threats, assault, or sexual assault.

Professional Bodies: If you’re in a regulated profession, report to your professional association.

Where and Who to Contact for Harassment

Internal contacts: Your supervisor (unless they’re the harasser), HR department, or whoever your company policy designates for harassment complaints.

If your employer ignores your complaint or fails to take action, you can escalate:

Ontario Human Rights Tribunal → for harassment based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected grounds.
Ministry of Labour → for violations of workplace safety laws.
Police → if harassment involves threats or physical harm.

For specific legal advice regarding your harassment situation, consult us about your human rights in the workplace. You have legal rights and practical options to resolve workplace disputes.

How to Prove Bullying and Harassment

Document everything immediately. Write down what happened, when, where, and who witnessed it. Be specific – instead of “boss was mean,” write “manager called me incompetent in front of three colleagues during the 2 PM meeting on March 15.”

Save all evidence: Keep harassing emails, texts, photos of offensive materials, or recordings (where legal). Screenshot social media posts before they can be deleted.

Identify witnesses: Note who saw or heard the harassment. Get their contact information and ask if they’d be willing to provide statements.

Report incidents promptly: Don’t wait months to complain. Report each incident soon after it happens to establish a pattern.

Keep records of impacts: Document how harassment affects your work performance, health, or attendance. Save medical records if you seek treatment for stress or anxiety.