Category: Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment
It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. This can include offensive remarks about a person’s sex. For example, it is illegal to harass a woman by making offensive comments about women in general. Employers have an obligation to prevent sexual harassment from occurring in the workplace. If it can be shown that the employer knew or should have known that the harassment was occurring and they did not take all reasonable actions to stop it, then the employer can be held liable for an individual’s actions. There are a number of steps employers can take to reduce the risk of sexual harassment occurring in the workplace including adopting clear policies, and training both employees as well as supervisors and managers.