Are we legally obligated to communicate with an individual we don’t trust at work? Do we need to protect this employee if asked by our company to do so?

This is a great but also complex question. It sounds like you are concerned about whether you need to communicate with an employee that you do not trust, while also trying to balance your role in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for you and that same employee. There is a lot of nuance to the answer to your question, and further facts regarding the situation, including the reporting relationships of the employees involved and the circumstances resulting in this distrust, are required to provide a meaningful answer. We encourage you to contact our us and schedule a consultation with one of our employment lawyers who can fully assess your situation, ensure that your workplace rights are being respected, and help you navigate this complex workplace issue.