Workplace bullying accountability

HB 2857, the Workplace Bullying Accountability Act, requires West Virginia employers to prevent and address workplace bullying that causes physical or psychological harm to employees. It mandates employers to create written anti-bullying policies, provide annual employee training, and conduct good-faith investigations into reports of bullying. The law defines "workplace bullying" as repeated harmful conduct (e.g., verbal abuse, sabotage, intimidation) causing health impacts, and prohibits retaliation against employees who report incidents or participate in investigations. Employees harmed by bullying may seek remedies, including reinstatement or compensation, while employers face liability for failing to fulfill their duty to safeguard workers. This bill directly affects all West Virginia employers and employees by establishing enforceable protections beyond current workers' compensation or safety laws.