Independent workplace investigations for industrial and manufacturing organizations

A workplace complaint can quickly become difficult to manage when the facts are disputed, the people involved report through the same management structure, or internal HR and leadership are too close to the situation. PF Industrial Advisory provides an independent, structured process to help employers establish the facts and determine a defensible path forward.

Situations we can support

  • Bullying and harassment complaints
  • Respectful-workplace complaints
  • Allegations involving supervisors or managers
  • Employee-to-employee conduct complaints
  • Conflicting witness accounts
  • Complaints involving unionized employees
  • Workplace behaviour and relationship concerns
  • Independent fact-finding following a significant workplace event

What the investigation process can include

  1. Intake and conflict check — confirm the issue, parties, scope, decision-maker and any independence concerns.
  2. Terms of reference — define the allegations or questions to be investigated and what is outside scope.
  3. Document review — collect relevant policies, correspondence, records, schedules and other evidence.
  4. Interviews — speak separately with the complainant, respondent and relevant witnesses.
  5. Evidence assessment — compare accounts, corroboration, consistency, plausibility and documentary evidence.
  6. Findings — make findings on each allegation using the agreed standard of proof, typically balance of probabilities where appropriate.
  7. Report — provide a clear written record of process, evidence, analysis and findings, with recommendations only when requested in the mandate.

Why use an external investigator?

  • Greater perceived independence when management or HR is connected to the matter
  • A consistent process and documented record
  • Reduced burden on internal managers and HR
  • More comfortable access for employees who are hesitant to speak within the reporting structure
  • Additional capacity when an issue requires prompt attention
  • Practical understanding of industrial workplaces and operational realities

Built for manufacturing environments

Investigations in manufacturing environments have practical constraints that office-based processes often overlook: shift schedules, production requirements, union representation, supervisor availability, remote sites and employees who may be more comfortable meeting outside normal hours. PF Industrial Advisory works around those realities and can arrange interviews during evenings, Fridays or weekends where appropriate.

Bilingual service across Atlantic Canada

Services are available in English and French for organizations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, with a particular ability to support bilingual workplaces and employees who are more comfortable providing information in their first language.

Request a confidential discussion

Not sure whether a complaint requires a formal external investigation? Request a confidential 20–30 minute initial discussion. We can clarify the issue, identify immediate process considerations and determine whether PF Industrial Advisory is an appropriate independent resource.