All N.S. workplaces will need harassment policies by September

Nova Scotia is requiring workplaces to have harassment policies. (Source: Province of Nova Scotia)

All Nova Scotia workplaces will need policies to respond to physical and psychological harassment by Sept. 1.

The new regulations, which fall under the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act, came about following a 2024 review of the workers’ compensation system.

The new regulations also responded to a 2022 report by the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, which found “systemic issues of racism, inequity and lack of psychological safety in many workplaces,” according to a news release from the province.

“The previous Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations only considered physical injuries in the workplace, leaving out psychological injuries like harassment,” the province says.

Written harassment prevention policies must include:

• expectations
• how to report concerns
• how complaints will be investigated

All policies will need to be reviewed at least every three years.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe at work – physically and psychologically,” said Nolan Young, minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, in the release. “These new rules will help employers take clear, proactive steps to prevent and address harassment, support their teams and build stronger, safer workplaces for everyone.”

The Workers’ Compensation Board Nova Scotia says there were 194 psychological workplace injuries reported in 2024, which was up 150 from three years ago.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page