Independent Workplace Investigations Services
When workplace complaints arise, harassment, discrimination, misconduct, violence, human rights issues, fraud, or policy breaches, employers have a legal obligation (Ontario and BC) to conduct a prompt, fair, and thorough workplace investigation.
Failing to investigate properly can expose an employer to significant legal risk, including:
- Human rights liability
- Occupational health & safety penalties
- Constructive dismissal claims
- Wrongful dismissal exposure
- Reputational harm
- Damages for bad-faith conduct
Our workplace investigation lawyers and independent workplace investigators help employers manage investigations lawfully, efficiently, and with full compliance under Ontario and British Columbia legislation.
Workplace Investigation Lawyers
We provide a full suite of internal and external workplace investigation services, including:
✔ Independent Workplace Investigations
When impartiality is essential or internal HR cannot investigate.
Ideal for:
- Harassment and violence complaints
- Discrimination allegations
- Conflicts involving management
- High-risk or sensitive misconduct
- Cases requiring full neutrality
✔ Workplace Harassment & Violence Investigations
Required under:
- Ontario OHSA
- BC Workers Compensation Act
- Human Rights legislation
We handle investigations involving:
- Bullying
- Verbal abuse
- Sexual harassment
- Threats or violence
- Poisoned work environments
✔ Discrimination & Human Rights Investigations
Including allegations based on:
- Race
- Gender / sex
- Age
- Disability
- Family status
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Other protected grounds
✔ Misconduct & Employee Behaviour Investigations
We investigate:
- Policy violations
- Workplace misconduct
- Attendance or performance deception
- Fraud or theft
- Insubordination
- Breach of confidentiality
- Breach of company policy
✔ Internal HR Investigation Guidance
For employers who want to conduct the investigation internally but need direction on:
- Process design
- Evidence collection
- Interview preparation
- Confidentiality protocols
- Procedural fairness
- Writing investigation reports
✔ Third-Party Investigations for Law Firms
We support legal counsel with:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Report writing
- Investigative fact-finding
- Documentary review
When Employers Must Conduct a Workplace Investigation
Under Ontario OHSA, BC OHS Rules, and human rights legislation, employers must investigate when they receive complaints involving:
- Workplace violence or threats
- Harassment or bullying
- Discrimination
- Sexual harassment or misconduct
- Toxic work environments
- Retaliation or reprisal concerns
- Safety complaints
- Policy breaches
- Misconduct or wrongdoing
If you’re unsure whether an investigation is required, assume yes, the legal threshold is low.
Why Employers Choose an External Workplace Investigator
Hiring an independent workplace investigator protects your organization by ensuring:
- Neutrality; no internal bias
- Procedural fairness
- Legally defensible findings
- Proper evidence handling
- Statutory compliance
- Lower risk of wrongful dismissal claims
- Reduced exposure in human rights complaints
An external investigator is essential when complaints involve:
- Management or HR
- Harassment or discrimination
- Safety threats
- Multiple employees
- High conflict
- Serious allegations
Legal Support During Workplace Investigations
Our workplace investigation lawyers can advise employers on:
- Responding to complaints
- Procedural fairness
- Interview strategy
- Confidentiality concerns
- Legal risk and liability
- Human rights compliance
- Whether to suspend employees pending investigation
- Communications with staff
We also defend employers when an investigation is challenged at the HRTO, WorkSafeBC, Labour Board, or in wrongful dismissal litigation.
Why Employers Choose Achkar Law
- Experienced workplace investigators
- Lawyers trained in employment, labour, and human rights law
- Neutral, defensible, third-party investigations
- Fast response for urgent cases
- Full compliance with Ontario & BC legislation
- Clear, practical, step-by-step guidance
- Strong litigation support if matters escalate
Speak With a Workplace Investigation Lawyer
If your organization is facing a workplace complaint or you need guidance on how to conduct or manage an investigation, we can help.
Contact us today to speak with a workplace investigation lawyer.
Watch our on-demand video Workplace Investigations 101: What Every Manager Needs to Know for practical guidance on handling workplace investigations lawfully and effectively.
Workplace Investigation FAQs for Employers
What is a workplace investigation?
A workplace investigation is a formal process used by employers to examine allegations of harassment, discrimination, misconduct, or other workplace issues.
Conducting a proper investigation helps organizations meet legal obligations, protect employees, and make defensible decisions.
What is the purpose of a workplace investigation?
The purpose of a workplace investigation is to uncover facts, assess the credibility of complaints, and help employers take appropriate action.
Investigations promote fairness, reduce legal risk, and demonstrate that the organization takes workplace concerns seriously.
What does a workplace investigator do?
A workplace investigator conducts impartial fact-finding by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing investigation reports.
Employers can use either internal or external investigators depending on the nature and complexity of the issue.
When is a workplace investigation required?
Employers must conduct a workplace investigation when complaints involve harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, or breaches of company policy.
In Ontario, investigations are legally required in certain situations to comply with employment standards and health and safety legislation.
Should employers use an external workplace investigator?
Using an external workplace investigator ensures neutrality, fairness, and legal compliance, especially in sensitive situations involving senior staff, harassment complaints, or potential legal claims.
External investigations help protect the integrity of the process and the organization.
What does a workplace investigation involve?
A typical workplace investigation includes:
- Reviewing the complaint or allegations
- Interviewing relevant parties
- Gathering supporting documents or evidence
- Assessing the facts and credibility
- Preparing a written report with findings and recommendations
Legal advice helps ensure the process is handled correctly and protects against liability.
What are the risks of not conducting a workplace investigation?
Failing to conduct a timely and proper workplace investigation can expose employers to:
- Human rights complaints
- Wrongful dismissal claims
- Occupational health and safety violations
- Reputational harm
- Employee relations issues
Proactive investigation protects the organization and reduces the likelihood of costly disputes.
Can Achkar Law conduct workplace investigations for employers?
Yes. Achkar Law provides independent workplace investigation services to help employers manage sensitive workplace issues while remaining compliant with legal requirements.
We also advise on investigation procedures and post-investigation decision-making.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Experienced Employment and Labour Lawyers
Contact us by phone toll-free at 1-866-471-5098 or email us at [email protected], and we will be happy to assist.