Greene County commissioners recently approved a new anti-bullying and harassment policy aimed at preventing violence in the workplace.

The policy lists several acts considered to be a form of bullying including verbal and written offensive jokes, yelling or using profanity and excessive public criticism or humiliation.

Harassment and bullying complaints will be investigated by the county human resources director and a department official. Employees who are found to be guilty of bullying or harassment will be faced with disciplinary action that could include termination, according to the new policy.

“We certainly want our employees to come to a safe workplace,” said Alan Anderson, a Greene County commissioner, shortly before voting in favor of the policy.

Currently, there is no data available on reports of bullying incidents in county offices because there was no formal policy in place, said Ken Johnson, the Greene County personnel director.

However, Johnson said he has had previous discussions with some managers and supervisors about incidents that had components of bullying. Many interoffice conflicts have elements of bullying, he added.

“The bullying policy is something I think is long overdue,” Johnson said. “Bullying is one step in a progression of behaviors.”

The policy is a part of a set of tools that will be used to educate employees about bullying and harassment, said Johnson who plans to add a training component on the issue.

Johnson said the bullying harassment policy also includes a provision to protect employees from false allegations. Intentional or malicious false allegations of bullying or harassment can result in disciplinary actions that could include termination.

“The benefits of having a tool the managers and supervisor can use will offset someone improperly filing a complaint,” Johnson said.

Montgomery County has a anti-harassment policy in place and the county has no plans to expand its policy to include bullying, said Cathy Petersen, a spokeswoman for Montgomery County.

“The policy addresses any intimidation or harassment,” Petersen said.