Most people will spend about a third of their life at work.
Work should be a place you feel safe and included. But what do you do if it
feels like you are being bullied?
Bullying is defined as a persistent pattern of behaviour
aimed at intimidating, humiliating or undermining a person or a team that has
an impact on health and safety. It might range from constant criticism or
unrealistic work demands to threatening comments or physical intimidation.
In most places, you have specific rights and protections when it comes to workplace bullying under local work health and safety laws. These will usually include such rights as:
- The right to a safe work environment
This does not just mean physical safety, it also means you have a right to a workplace free of bullying.
- The right to make a complaint
If you are being bullied, you can report it to your manager, human resources or a health and safety representative.
- The right to confidentiality
Your privacy should be respected, and no one should be told that you have made a complaint
- Protection from retaliation
Your complaint must be handled fairly, and you cannot be targeted unjustly for speaking up.
- The right to seek outside help
You can seek help from a union representative, lawyer or workplace advocate. The work health and safety regulator in your area will also be a good source of information and support.
- Compensation and legal support
You may be able to seek compensation if the bullying causes psychological or physical injury through a workers’ compensation scheme.
It can feel scary to speak up, but it is important to get help so you can feel safe and comfortable at work.
If you feel you are the target of a workplace bully, there are some steps you can take:
1. Gather evidence.
2. Speak up. Lodge a formal complaint.
3. Seek external support: If the issue is not resolved, go to the relevant work health and safety regulator.
