Say no to bullying today!
Thursday June 28, 2007
All of us have the right to feel safe at work. No one should ever feel like they can’t speak out because they feel threatened, intimidated, bullied or harassed.
This sort of behaviour is against the law, no matter who you work for or what state you live in, and it is your right to say enough.
Below is a quick rundown on what bullying and harassment is, and what you can do to stamp it out of your workplace.
While the law is slightly different in every state – as is the case in so many areas – the same fundamental principles apply.
This summary was put together with the help of WorkSafe Victoria’s Prevention of Bullying and Violence at Work Guidance Note.
What is workplace bullying?
Workplace bullying is repeated unreasonable behaviour directed to an employee, or group of employees, that creates a risk to health and safety.
Within this definition:
Unreasonable behaviour means behaviour that a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would expect to victimise, humiliate, undermine or threaten.
Behaviour includes actions of individuals or a group, and may involve using a system of work as a means of victimising, humiliating, undermining and threatening.
Risk to health and safety includes risk to the mental or physical health of the employee.
What sorts of behaviour does it include?
The following types of behaviour, where repeated or occurring as part of a pattern of behaviour, could be considered bullying:
· Verbal abuse
· Excluding or isolating employees
· Psychological harassment
· Intimidation
· Assigning meaningless tasks unrelated to the job
· Giving employees impossible assignments
· Deliberately changing work rosters to inconvenience particular employees
· Deliberately withholding information that is vital for effective work performance
This is a guide only to some of the behaviour that might constitute bullying or harassment; however, there are others.
You can find out more information about the laws in your state by going to the relevant website:
Victoria – www.workcover.vic.gov.au
NSW – www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
South Australia – www.safework.sa.gov.u
Another great way to prevent bullying and harassment in your workplace is to have well trained and active Delegates and OHS Representatives.
Do you have Delegates and OHS Representatives at your site? If you’re not sure, contact your union Organiser.
Your workplace representatives or Organiser should always be your first point of call if you feel you are being bullied or harassed at your worksite.
You do not have to put up with it. Speak out and put an end to bullying and harassment NOW!
Last modified 2007-07-03 02:49 PM
