New York (CNN Business) McDonald's (MCD) announced Wednesday a new training program for restaurant workers and supervisors that aims to mitigate issues like bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination.

The company will roll out training materials, developed in partnership with sexual violence prevention organization RAINN , for all its US stores in October. The training will include computer-based and in-person lessons on issues such as discrimination and retaliation prevention, how to diffuse violent situations with customers and how to report a harassment complaint.

"There is a deeply important conversation around safe and respectful workplaces in communities throughout the US and around the world," Chris Kempczinski, president of McDonald's USA, said in a statement. "Together with our franchisees, we have a responsibility to take action on this issue and are committed to promoting positive change."

This is the first time McDonald's has provided such training for its nearly 850,000 US restaurant workers like cooks and cashiers. After the criticism over workplace safety issues began last year, the company conducted manager and restaurant operator trainings and introduced an anonymous hotline for employees to report concerns.

Read More