Workplace Bullying - A Risk That Needs to be Addressed

Bullying behaviour is a workplace hazard that has attracted increasing attention over recent years. Security leaders managing a workplace or conducting a comprehensive risk assessment must address the risk of bullying incidents.

Guidance materials from WorkSafe Victoria define bullying in the context of work as “repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed toward an employee, or group of employees, that creates a risk to health and safety.”

Incidents of bullying affect workplace stability, productivity and morale.  Unchecked, it can result in poor staff performance, absenteeism and in many cases resignation of valuable employees. Bullying behaviours can also affect associated persons such as work colleagues, visitors to workplaces and family members.

A 2012 Guide is available online from WorkSafe Victoria.  It in entitled "Workplace Bullying - Prevention and Response" and can be accessed via www.worksafe.vic.gov.au