Hi Andrew

There is a difference between direct discrimination which is illegal against anyone, and indirect discrimination which is not illegal but sits in the grey area of dubious behaviours. I learned this during an hour-long phone call with an advisor from HRC, a few years ago. I won't go into further detail because it's really up to you whether you're sufficiently interested to learn as well.

Leaving that to one side, I send a heartfelt prayer to the universe that all vegans and other unpopular minorities (probably not vegan muslims, but that's another obvious learning opportunity for you) find out where your workplace is and give it a wide berth.

Finally, you may wish to reply to this final posting from me but I will just delete your email if it appears in my inbox. Don't let that stop you though, knock yourself out

PS Andrew, do remember that there are prescribed rights for employees under the Human Rights Act. I'm fairly confident that they over-ride any workplace norms, such as having to 'earn' respect or running an insult past your mother-filter to see how offensive it is. Some of these rights relate to freedom of opinion, and freedom from discrimination. The HRC is very helpful if you contact them, and willing to provide free resources and guidance to get you up to speed.
Apologies if this comes across as rude or patronising. My mother's dead so I wasn't able to check first.

Cheers Andrew
I've been a vegan for over 20 years, and just wanted to display the attitude to us in public view. General ignorance and intolerance of vegans and our 'weirdo' beliefs (around who should be considered members of the moral community) tends to result in a lot of workplace bullying. No one cares much

Sheri Greenwell, thank you. It's given me something to consider

I'd like to know people's definition of the word 'respect'.
It's used often and there's a nod of agreement, but I've never heard people explain what it means to them and why it's important. Usually, the closest anyone comes is just another list of words (values, integrity etc) that everyone nods their head to but no-one defines.
If we should treat everyone with respect then we should equally consider and leave alone the rights of any vegans to hold and share their opinions if they work alongside us. Further, if we respect them as people then we would treat them with the same regard as we do ourselves and not subject them to punitive outcomes if others have issues and the 'bullying' monster has raised its head.

I think it's an interesting start but too early to suggest any conclusions. The assumption in the conclusion is that workplace fatalities are strongly linked to substance abuse, thereby discounting multiple other reasons why people die on the job.
The use of cannabis for medicinal support may, of course, result in better health outcomes and fewer fatalities caused by inattention though pain or similar stresses. Use of cannabis for recreation may result in overall slowing down so less haste; a calmer approach to work with the bonus of a safer workplace.