1. Sexual Harassment
Westchester County DES
OSHA / PESH Annual Refresher

2. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment of any type is prohibited in any form
Flagrant or subtle
Verbal or physical
Employees may report alleged acts of sexual harassment to
Their supervisor
Department Chief

3. Sexual Harassment
The Chief of Department will perform a prompt, but thorough investigation of any allegations made.
Certain information will be required of any employee making a sexual harassment complaint.
Anonymity and confidentiality may not be assumed or assured due to the nature of the investigation process

4. Sexual Harassment
Substantiated complaints will result in disciplinary action consistent with the nature and severity of the offense.
Retaliation against the firefighter making the complaint will not be tolerated.
Copies of the Departments Harassment Policy will be posted in all stations

5. Is This Sexual Harassment?

6. Is This Sexual Harassment?
FF Bill Gayson has been subjected to name calling by several male FFs because of the pronunciation of his last name. The names these students use are "faggot" and "homo," accompanied with obscene suggestions meant as a put down. When confronted, the other FF say that they’re only kidding
Is this sexual harassment?
What should Bill do?
How can this situation be resolved?

7. Is This A Case Of Sexual Harassment?

8. Is This Sexual Harassment?
A/C Bob obtains the telephone number of a company where an automatic fire alarm call has been answered. He later calls back and asks the receptionist if the alarm ever got fixed and proceeds to make small talk, then asks her out on a date

9. Is This Sexual Harassment?
Ten male FFs are having breakfast while shift change is taking place, John recites a lengthy and sexually explicit joke regarding lesbians and the military.
Is this sexual harassment?
How might this turn into 3rd party harassment?
How can this situation be resolved?

10. Is This Sexual Harassment?

11. Is This Sexual Harassment?
EMT Diane asked FF John out to dinner. John told her he already had plans. That was the 3rd time Diane had asked him out and he had declined.
Is this sexual harassment?
What should Bill do?
How can this situation be resolved?

12. Is This Sexual Harassment?

13. Is This Sexual Harassment?

14. Is This Sexual Harassment?
Lieutenant Jim finds that he becomes sexually aroused when EMT Amy wears a short skirt to the firehouse.
Amy is fond of wearing mid-thigh skirts
One day Jim finally tells Amy that she is making him “so-o-o hot”
Is this sexual harassment?
What should Amy do?
How can this situation be resolved?

15. Is This Sexual Harassment?
Amy tells Lt. Jim that she doesn’t appreciate his comments and asks him to stop
What should the A/C do if Amy talks to him about the situation?
What if Amy refuses to stop wearing short skirts and Lt. Jim gives her suggestive looks, but stops talking about this subject?

16. Is This Sexual Harassment?
Kramer and Jerry are friends. Lately, Kramer has been teasing Jerry (possibly a virgin) about a woman they both know. Kramer claims that this woman, Elvira, really "likes" Jerry and wants to “hook up” with him. Kramer constantly refers to Elvira’s physique in crude sexual terms and makes references to her alleged history of being “easy.” Jerry is uncomfortable with this teasing and has asked Kramer to stop. Kramer doesn’t take Jerry seriously and has no intention of stopping.
Is this sexual harassment?
What should Jerry do?
How can this situation be resolved?

17. Is This Sexual Harassment?
FF Rita notices that Lt. Sam treats her no differently when performing physical tasks in close quarters on scene and in training. She is uncomfortable with this physical contact and tells Sam. He says that he thinks of her as just another FF in these situations, she should appreciate his confidence in her, he’s happily married and she should “loosen up.” He sees no reason to and does not subsequently change his behavior.

18. Hostile Work Environment
Offensive to a “reasonable person”
Must have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile working environment
Intent to offend or inflict psychological harm is not required

19. Hostile Work Environment
Look to the totality of the factors:
Frequency & severity
Physicality
Potential to threaten or humiliate
Interference with job performance
Potential to cause psychological harm

20. What Should You Do?
You are Chief and EMT Bonnie comes to you and says “I have something I have to tell you, but first you have to swear that you won’t do anything about it or tell anyone else.

21. Concluding Comments
Questions?
Comments?