Advice for individuals
Bullying is repeated unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety. Before you act on a complaint, it’s important to understand what is, and what isn’t, bullying behaviour. If your complaint is related to interpersonal conflict, working conditions, discrimination or harassment, there are other agencies that can provide assistance and support.
Your employer has a duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace. If you, or someone else is being bullied, and you are not sure how to deal with the issue, there are a number of actions you can take.
Request that the behaviour stop
If you can, firmly and politely tell the person that their behaviour is unreasonable and ask them to stop. They may not realise the effect their behaviour is having on you, so they need to be given the opportunity to change their actions. You could ask your health and safety representative, union representative or supervisor to be with you when you approach the person.
Speak to someone you trust
Seek advice from someone you trust at your workplace such as a colleague, supervisor, union representative or someone from human resources. It might be helpful to describe the behaviour you’ve been experiencing.
Raise it with your health and safety representative (HSR)
Your HSR can provide you with advice and support for your situation, and represent your views to management.
Check your workplace policy
Ask your employer about the policy and procedures they have in place that outlines the standards of acceptable behaviour at work and how to raise bullying issues.
Report it
Formally report the situation in accordance with your organisation’s agreed bullying procedures. Ask your HSR or manager if you’re not sure what the procedure is. It might be under another name, such as a grievance procedure.
Keep records
Keep a factual record of events that includes what happened, dates and times, who was involved, names of witnesses and, where possible, copies of any documents.
If you’re not able to raise the issue in your workplace, or have tried to and received no response, contact our Advisory Service. An advisor will discuss your situation with you and provide further advice. If you are unable to discuss your matter with us right now, we encourage you to speak to your doctor or, for immediate emotional support, call Lifeline on
13 11 14.
