Nova Scotia is introducing new workplace harassment regulations effective Sept. 1.
The legislation will require all provincially regulated employers to adopt a written anti-harassment policy, train staff and review the policy every three years. According to a press release, psychological workplace injuries in Nova Scotia rose to 194 in 2024, up from 150 three years earlier.
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The changes follow a 2024 review by the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia that called for stronger protections, as well as a 2022 Office of Equity and Anti-Racism report that identified systemic racism and a lack of psychological safety in many workplaces.
More than 600 Nova Scotians shared personal stories during consultations that helped shape the regulations, the release said, noting other jurisdictions were updating workplace safety laws to address psychological health and safety.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe at work — physically and psychologically,” said Nolan Young, the province’s minister of labour, skills and immigration, in the release.