AU: Zero tolerance for bullying

By Bridie Byrne, Star News Group

Worksafe has inspected only 22 workplaces to thwart bullying in Wyndham over the past four years.

Officers followed up just six workplace visits in the last 12 months amid concerns people are too afraid to speak out.

A spokeswoman said bullying occurred across a range of industries.

“WorkSafe Victoria has found that young workers are less likely than other age-groups to speak up or seek assistance if they’re being bullied,” she said.

She said there were a number of reasons why workplace bullying was not reported.

“People may think that reporting bullying will make the problem worse, or that there may be consequences, which affect their job,” she said.

“In the worst cases, a person’s morale or confidence may be so undermined they feel they can’t leave their job because they won’t be able to get another one.

The spokeswoman said a broad range of behaviours could be counted as bullying.

“Direct bullying could include, verbal abuse, putting someone down, spreading rumours or innuendo about someone, or interfering with someone’s personal property or work equipment,” she said.

“Indirect bullying could include unjustified criticism or complaints, or deliberately excluding someone from workplace activities.

“Bullying can happen in any workplace and is best dealt with by taking steps to prevent it long before it becomes a risk to health and safety.”

She said employers needed to develop a clear strategy to address complaints or allegations.

For more information, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/bullying.