The Respect in the Workplace Committee was formed to develop a Best Practice policy and work rule addressing workplace harassment. The goal for this harassment policy was:
"For every person who walks on a construction site to know what is considered acceptable behavior."
The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations and Code (OHS) has since been reviewed and now includes Employer responsibilities and obligations pertaining to workplace violence. It became clear through the committee’s research that harassment and violence are derivatives of bullying. As a result, the committee opted for an integrated approach to building respect in the workplace by addressing bullying, harassment and violence.
In developing the Workplace Respect Model Policy, the committee summarizes its mandate and goals as follows:
Organizations that believe in people are organizations that are firmly committed to a positive, professional and safe working environment in which all people are treated with respect and dignity. This committee's goal is to develop a best practice for industry that fosters respectful workplaces.