How To Identify, Prevent, And Respond To Disability-Based Harassment In The Workplace

Disability-based harassment in the workplace is a form of discrimination that can have serious consequences for the individuals who experience it. It is important for employers and employees to understand how to identify, prevent, and respond to disability-based harassment to create a safe and inclusive work environment for everyone. In this blog post, we will discuss the different forms of disability-based harassment, ways to prevent it from happening, and effective strategies for responding to it.

Identifying Disability-Based Harassment

Disability-based harassment can take many forms, such as verbal abuse, physical abuse, and exclusion from workplace activities. To identify disability-based harassment, it is important to be aware of the various forms it can take. Some examples include:

• Verbal abuse, such as name-calling or derogatory remarks.
• Physical abuse, such as pushing or hitting.
• Exclusion from workplace activities, such as not being invited to meetings or being excluded from company events.

Preventing Disability-Based Harassment

To prevent disability-based harassment, employers should have clear policies in place that prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employees should be educated about these policies and the importance of creating a safe and inclusive work environment. Some strategies for preventing disability-based harassment include:

• Encouraging employees to report any incidents of disability-based harassment.
• Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting incidents.
• Providing training and education to employees on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Responding to Disability-Based Harassment

When disability-based harassment occurs, it is important to respond quickly and effectively. Employers should investigate any reported incidents and take appropriate action, such as disciplinary action against the perpetrator. In some cases, it may be necessary to involve the police. It is important to provide support to the person who has been harassed, and to ensure that they feel safe and supported in the workplace. Some strategies for responding to disability-based harassment include:

• Taking all reported incidents of disability-based harassment seriously and conducting a thorough investigation.
• Providing support to the person who has been harassed, such as counselling or time off work.
• Taking disciplinary action against the perpetrator, including possible termination of employment.

In conclusion, disability-based harassment is a serious issue that can have a detrimental effect on the individuals who experience it. Employers and employees must work together to identify, prevent, and respond to disability-based harassment to create a safe and inclusive work environment for everyone. By being aware of the different forms of disability-based harassment, implementing strategies to prevent it, and responding effectively when it occurs, we can work towards creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and valued.

If you are looking for a way to educate your workforce and make your workplace a safer place, contact Sentrient for a free demo today.

This blog post was originally published here.