Workplace Bullying Prevention Unit March 2010

Input your presentation title here (to access to go View, Header and Footer) -Insert your presentation date here Page 2 What is bullying? Repeated, unreasonable behavior directed towards an employee or a group of employees that creates a risk to their health and safety.

Types of bullying Verbal abuse Putting someone down Spreading rumours or innuendo about someone Interfering with someone’s personal property or work equipment Making insulting comments about someone Threats to get someone sacked Belittling someone Unjustified criticisms or complaints Exclusion Excessive scrutiny

What isn’t bullying? Reasonable management actions For example Setting performance goals, standards and deadlines Allocating work to a worker Rostering and allocating work hours Transferring a worker Deciding not to select a worker for promotion Informing a worker about unsatisfactory work performance Informing a worker about inappropriate behaviour Implementing organisational changes Performance management processes Constructive feedback Downsizing

Workplace Bullying Prevention Unit What do we do? Ensure employers are meeting their duties under the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 Provide information Issue notices Referrals for prosecution

Centralised Operational Response Team Branch Manager Project Officer Organisational Psychologist Senior Project Officer Prevention Strategy Technical Inspector Senior Inspector Group Leader Technical Inspector Director Public Sector & Community Services Technical Inspector Technical Inspector Operational Response

What does an Inspector do? Have mandatory specialised training in OHS legislation and responding to bullying complaints This includes Making enquiries at workplaces Forensic evidence gathering (S100) >Points of proof, (reasonable belief, beyond a reasonable doubt) Conducting interviews Dealing with difficult environments Investigate complex issues Comprehensive file management Meeting expectations Referrals

Input your presentation title here (to access to go View, Header and Footer) -Insert your presentation date here Page 8 WorkSafe Guidance “Preventing and responding to bullying at work 2009” Cross border publication with NSW hard copy publication available

Risk management of bullying Consultation Identify bullying risk factors Assessing bullying risk factors Controlling bullying risk factors Workplace policy Workplace procedures Training Monitoring and review

Responding to bullying Encourage reporting Have and follow workplace procedures Follow principles of natural justice Ways to approach >The direct approach >Mediation/discussion with third party >Investigation Act on outcomes

Silver lining people are talking about it everyone has a story media exposure employers taking notice work should not hurt you