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Bullying and Harassment in the WorkplaceBULLYING IS VIOLENCE Violence is the use of force or power by the perpetrator (the person doing the violence) against another, i.e. the victim. This use of force or power is made up of a range of behaviours or actions that may be physical (affecting the body) and/or psychological (affecting the mind). The result of this force or power may impact on the well being or health of the victim; for example, injury, death psychological harm, mal-development, or deprivation for the victim.IT'S THE LAW! Clause 9 (2) (b) of the OH&S regulations 2001 requires employers to identify Psychological Hazards. Clause 11 of the OH&S regulations 2001 requires employers to eliminate risks arising from hazards. Bullying is a psychological hazard and it is the employers responsibility to eliminate it as part of the Risk Assessment Process. Where bullying involves sexual harassment or discrimination on the basis of things like disability, gender, race or age, a claim may be made under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity, Equal Opportunity or Anti-Discrimination Acts. If you are forced to resign because you are being bullied, you may be able to claim this as an unfair dismissal. If you become unwell as a result of inappropriate management action in relation to the bullying you may be able to claim workers' compensation. WHAT IS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE? Violence and aggression includes verbal and emotional abuse or threats and physical attack to an individual or to property by another individual or group. BULLYING IS VIOLENCE Research shows that definitions of violence can be categorised into broad generic definitions. These definitions have been recognised by the leading international bodies, or represent the most current view nationally. Although the definitions vary, there are common aspects, as follows. Violence has common elements in that: 1. It is caused by the intentional use of force or power of the perpetrator against another (i.e. the victim) and, 2. This use of force or power constitutes a range of behaviours or actions which may be physical and/or psychological, and, 3. The consequences of this force or power may impact on the well being or health of the victim e.g. injury, death psychological harm, mal-development, or deprivation for the victim. WORKPLACE VIOLENCE This is where the incident/s of violence occurs within the circumstances related to the victim's work. The WorkCover Health and Safety Guide - Violence in the Workplace has included an introductory paragraph called "What is workplace violence". This guide provides practical guidance on managing workplace violence and aggression, as described below. WHAT IS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE? Overt violence and aggression includes verbal and emotional abuse or threats and physical attacks to an individual or to property by another individual or group. Covert, or hidden violence is also a form of bullying in the workplace. Covert bullying is not in the form of physical attack but also causes emotional damage to the worker. The impact of violence on a victim depends on the severity of the violence, his or her personal experiences, skills and personality. Violent (overt) acts include:
Covert Acts Include:
WORKPLACE BULLYING Bullying at work is a problem that is only just beginning to be seen as one of the main causes of workplace stress. Bullying is a form of psychological or physical harassment and women and men at all levels of employment can be affected by it. The bully can be a manager, a supervisor or a co-worker. A bully is a person who uses strength or power to intimidate others by fear. Workplace bullying exists in various forms. It involves behaviour that intimidates, degrades or humiliates an employee (sometimes in front of other people). Sometimes the behaviour may be subtle and not easily observed by other people. It may include verbal abuse, behaviour that is intended to punish, constant 'put-downs', aggression, and poorly managed conflicts of opinion or 'personality clashes'. Inappropriate comments about personal appearance and persistent, unreasonable criticism of work performance are also common. Assault, both physical and threatened, can also be a factor. and should be reported to the police immediately.
THE EFFECTS OF BULLYING No one works at their best if they feel hurt, angry, vulnerable and powerless. Bullying can have a variety of physical and psychological effects on people. Commonly reported effects are:
EFFECTS ON THE INDIVIDUAL The effects of bullying can be psychological and financial and include:
HOW TO PREVENT BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE The first step in prevention is to acknowledge that bullying can exist in any workplace. The most effective way to prevent bullying is for employers to send a clear message that workplace bullying is unacceptable. Following are some steps that can be taken to minimise and prevent bullying in the workplace. Support and involvement from senior management is essential in effecting change and preventing bullying before it becomes a problem. Occupational Health and Safety Committees are ideally placed to deal with these issues Steps to Take
WHAT WORKERS CAN DO Workplace bullying is unacceptable behaviour and should not be tolerated. As a first step, there are a few tactics worth trying - but only if you feel up to it and if they are appropriate for your situation.
If you don't feel up to this, contact your OHS Representative, union delegate or supervisor. WHAT THE UNION CAN DO
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