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Safety @ work
Bullying, discrimination and harassment
It is the PCBU’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace. When someone is being bullied, discriminated against or harassed in the workplace it can affect them not only at work, but also in their private life.
Being new to the workplace does not mean you should be treated unfairly. Instances of bullying should be reported to your supervisor/manager. You should not be made to feel uncomfortable in the workplace at any time.
Bullying
Workplace bullying is when one person or a group of people intentionally and repeatedly upset or hurt another person. Bullying may come from a colleague, supervisor or client/customer.
Workplace bullying can be obvious and aggressive. Examples may include:
- abusive, insulting or offensive language;
- behaviour or language that frightens, humiliates, belittles or degrades, including criticism that is delivered with yelling and screaming;
- teasing or regularly making someone the brunt of practical jokes;
- displaying material that is degrading or offensive; and
- spreading gossip, rumours and innuendo of a malicious nature.
Violence, assault and stalking are extreme forms of bullying that can constitute a criminal offence. Such behaviour should be reported directly to the police.
Covert (hidden) behaviour that undermines, treats people less favourably or takes control away from others may also be bullying.
For example:
- overloading a person with work;
- setting timelines that are very difficult to achieve, or constantly changing deadlines;
- setting tasks that are unreasonably beyond a person’s ability;
- ignoring or isolating a person;
- deliberately denying access to information, consultation or resources; and
- unfair treatment in relation to accessing workplace entitlements, such as leave or training.
Harassment
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance or request of sexual favours or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. This can be a single event or repeated events.
For example:
- physical advances (eg touching, hugging);
- requesting sexual favours;
- questions regarding someone’s personal life;
- emails containing sexually explicit or derogatory content.
Discrimination
Discrimination is the unequal treatment of a person or persons because of a certain characteristic or quality they possess or do not possess. For example; race, sex, marital status, pregnancy or disability.
What to do?
In the first instance you should approach your supervisor or manager and inform them of what is happening. If you feel uncomfortable with this you are encouraged to approach your human resource officer or union representative.
You should check if your employer has a policy and complaint resolution procedure for workplace bullying.
In these types of situations you are also encouraged to keep written records of the incidents.
SafeWork SA can help investigate workplace bullying, as under WHS laws workplace bullying is treated like any other risk or hazard. Please contact the SafeWork SA Help Centre for further assistance.
Bullying, discrimination or harassment on other grounds, such as disability, race, gender, age, sexuality, pregnancy and marital status are also covered under the South Australian Equal Opportunity Act 1986 (SA). You are encouraged to contact the Equal Opportunity Commission or phone it on (08) 8207 1977 or for country callers 1800 188 163.
Last updated: 7 January, 2013
Telephone 1300 365 255
Employers and workers within South Australia can contact their local SafeWork SA office, or the Help Centre, for the cost of a local call. The Help Centre is open during business hours Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Email: help@safework.sa.gov.au
