HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) – Workplace bullying and psychological abuse are not illegal in Pennsylvania, but lawmakers raised the issue during a policy committee hearing Wednesday.

House Majority Policy Committee members heard from advocates, survivors and attorneys about concerns of a public health threat and the need to protect Pennsylvania’s workers from what researchers call a silent epidemic.

Kiana Jackson, a 32-year-old graduate of Eastern University, described her experiences of workplace bullying employed at a charter school, and how, when she approached HR about her concerns, she was fired shortly after.

“The most exhausting and lasting situation that occurred while employed here was the constant feelings of intimidation, manipulation, character assassination and lack of respect,” Jackson said to committee members.

Experts testified before committee members about the need for “psychological safety,” in which workers feel safe to share their thoughts, ask questions and admit mistakes without negative consequences.

“Workers subjected to bullying can often suffer from anxiety, depression and burnout,” Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County, said in a statement.

Bullying, verbal abuse and other negative encounters that intimidate workers are not legally considered workplace abuse in Pennsylvania.

PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Phila./Delaware) called for a committee meeting to discuss the need for a Psychological Safety Act that would protect workers from this type of abuse.

“Everyone deserves to be safe at work – that means free from physical harm as well as mental or psychological abuse,” McClinton said. “While there are laws on the books to protect workers from environmental hazards, we need to do more to protect people from workplace psychological hazards like bullying and oppressive treatment that create toxic work environments and cause undue stress and anxiety for workers.”

No laws have been proposed yet. Wednesday’s hearing was intended as a starting point to explore the issue of workplace psychological safety and hear from stakeholders and experts.

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To read transcripts from the committee hearing, click here .

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