Workplace bullying has been with us ever since the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Interestingly in New South Wales the Office of Industrial Relations of the NSW Department of Commerce provides scant information about this anti-social workplace behaviour. Research indicates that workplace bullying is widespread and that it is more prevalent that harassment. What is also interesting is that in New South Wales there is no statutory definition of bullying. In point of fact Butterworths Australian Legal Dictionary is also mute on this point. The Law Society of NSW has offered the following definition of bullying: “Unreasonable and inappropriate workplace behaviour includes bullying, which comprises behaviour which intimidates, offends, degrades, insults or humiliates an employee possibly in front of co-workers, clients or customers and which includes physical or psychological behaviour.” Importantly, employees have a duty under Occupational, Health and Safety laws to find out about bullying and take steps to prevent it. Under the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 an employer has an obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees and this extends to bullying. Employers also have a duty to take reasonable care for […]

Full Article At: KnowHow-Now.com Articles

Bookmark to: