Sexual Harassment

Sexual-Harassment-Orange-CountyIt 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.

Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and 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.

Both victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be the same sex.

Although the law doesn’t prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).

The harasser can be the victim’s supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer.

via Sexual Harassment.

Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace

sexualharassmentPreventing sexual harassment in the workplace, though difficult, is critically important. Fortunately, federal and state courts that have wrestled with the complex issues present in sexual harassment litigation have identified three steps an organization should take to prevent sexual harassment as well as liability for incidents that may nevertheless occur.

Step 1—Develop a Written Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures.

Step 2—Distribute the Sexual Harassment Policy.

Step 3—Educate the Workforce and Train Supervisors.

via Risk Managers’ Forum—Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace 08/08.

Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, though difficult, is critically important. Fortunately, federal and state courts that have wrestled with the complex issues present in sexual harassment litigation have identified three steps an organization should take to prevent sexual harassment as well as liability for incidents that may nevertheless occur.

Step 1—Develop a Written Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures.

Step 2—Distribute the Sexual Harassment Policy.

Step 3—Educate the Workforce and Train Supervisors.

An organization that diligently takes these three steps will significantly reduce sexual harassment complaints and protect the organization from costly litigation.

via Risk Managers’ Forum—Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace 08/08.