What can you do if you or someone else is subjected to inappropriate behavior in the workplace? Be an active bystander!
MTMA have the following suggestions and we consider this an organic document that we will update and adjust with new information or advice. We will also dedicate a web page to actions for the workplace in the very near future.
So what are some of the things you can do when faced with or witness inappropriate behaviours in the workplace?
The first step is to assess the situation, is everyone safe? There is no one answer or solution for action as there are multiplicities of scenarios and behaviours around unacceptable situations. Your first priority is your safety and the second is for the safety of the targeted person.
If it is safe, be bold and be direct; address the behaviour but do not attack the harasser. You can use statements that are short and succinct like:
Knock it off!
That is not funny!
That is harassment!
That is racist!
That is inappropriate!
That is disrespectful
That is not ok!
Leave me alone! ….her alone! …him alone! …them alone!
Do not say that to me! …to him! …to her! …to them!
Get your hands off me! …her! …him! ...them!
Back away from me right now! …him right now! …her right now! …them right now!
If you are concerned for your safety or for someone else’s, then get help through bystanders or authority. If safety is a serious concern then call 911, call security or a manager or supervisor. If there are bystanders then enlist their help or if there are coworkers close by, go get them. Disrupt the situation and distract the harasser by asking an unrelated questions like “What time is it?” or drop something and make a loud noise or spill coffee or water.
Once the target is removed from the situation, check in with them and ensure that they are ok and brought to a place of safety and security.
As soon as possible, document the incident in a journal, personal email to yourself or an electronic document. It is important to keep a record of all incidents we experience or witness because documentation supports the reporting process, provides evidence of escalation and amasses a record of events that we cannot dismiss or discount over time.
Record the following information:Name of harasser(s)
Name of targeted person (s)
Name of all witnesses or bystanders
Date and time
Location
Detailed description of inappropriate behavior or statements and document any touching or contact.
Attach hard copies of any electronic communications including emails, texts, social media posts, etc.
Keep a recording of any voicemails or other audio based communications
Photograph any graffiti or images that may be part of the incident
Record all physical and emotional reactions of you as the witness, bystander or target
Remember that it is better to write too much detail rather than too little
Document all visits to doctors, counselors or therapists that are related to the incident
Report the incident to the company. Sexual violence and sexual harassment are under-reported across all industries but in order for the mining industry to change, we need reporting to reflect the number of incidents that are actually happening. Companies need to enact or adjust policies and procedures so they can address these issues in the workplace and this cannot be accomplished if incidents are not reported. If your company fails to act or has a dissatisfying outcome, you have the right to file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission as all Canadians have the right to a workplace free of sexual violence and sexual harassment. For Americans it is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). For Australians it is the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
