Everyone has the right to a safe workplace. So, we should all aim to stop workplace bullying. However, many people do not understand what bullying is, or the remedy.
Both state and federal laws protect employees from workplace bullying and harassment.
Workplace bullying and harassment can debilitate victims. Indeed, it can lead to health issues, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
What is workplace bullying?
According to the Fair Work Act, workplace bullying consists of an individual or a group repeatedly behaving unreasonably towards another worker. Consequently, that behaviour creates a risk to the worker’s health and safety.
The law specifically refers to behaviour that is:
- unreasonable
- repeated
- impacts the worker’s health and safety
Also, bullying can take the form of verbal, physical, psychological, or social abuse by an individual or group of people in the workplace.
However, bullying does not include management action carried out in a reasonable manner.
Examples of bullying:
- threats
- humiliation
- shouting
- sarcasm
- intimidation and coercion
- singling out or ostracism
- innuendo
- rumour-mongering
- disrespect and mocking
- discrimination
- exclusion from work events
- unreasonable work expectations, including too little or too much work, or work below or beyond a worker’s skill level
Who is protected from workplace bullying?
All employees, and also students on work experience, contractors, subcontractors and volunteers are protected from bullying under the law.
Who Can Help?
If you have experienced workplace bullying or harassment, then Industrial Relations Claims‘ team of employment lawyers and industrial advocates can help.
They can represent you in the Human Rights Commission, the Fair Work Commission, the Industrial Relations Commission, and additionally, any other relevant court or tribunal.
IR Claims are specialists at negotiating significant sums of compensation for those subjected to bullying.
Make no mistake, they will fight for you until they achieve the outcome that you are looking for.
Look after yourself
Workplace bullying can affect people in different ways.
Therefore, it is vitally important to look after your health, safety and well being.
If someone makes physical threats against you or your property, contact the police immediately by calling Triple 0.
If you are feeling anxious or depressed, make sure that you talk to someone.
Speak to a friend, or you can make an appointment to see your doctor, or otherwise, contact:
beyondblue on 1300 22 4636
Lifeline on 13 11 44
To take action on workplace bullying contact Industrial Relations Claims today.
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