Workplace bullying

"Bullying" in the workplace means treatment of a person, or a group, that:

is unfair
is repeated or ongoing
makes people feel embarrassed, victimised, humiliated, threatened or undermined.

The bully can be anyone within the workplace including a manager, a supervisor or a co-worker.

Bullying behaviour can be:

physical or verbal abuse
nitpicking
constant put-downs
teasing
spreading gossip
excluding people
unreasonably criticising peoples' work
assigning too much, or inappropriate, work
withholding information to undermine work performance.

Giving feedback and constructive criticism, raising concerns about work performance, disciplining or dismissing an employee, are not bullying if they are done in a reasonable way.

Under the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act (1986) employers are compelled to provide a safe workplace and take steps to recognise, assess and control hazards, including bullying behaviour.

What to do about bullying

If you think you are being bullied at work, keep a record of what is happening and if possible, talk to your manager or supervisor, or a Human Resources officer, union representative or a contact person. If you can't do this, or if the problem isn't solved in the workplace, contact SafeWork SA for advice.

If the bullying involves physical abuse or threats, criminal laws may apply.

If the bullying or your complaints result in your dismissal, you may be able to make an unfair dismissal claim. If you leave your job as a result of bullying, you may also be able to claim unfair dismissal. Unfair dismissal claims generally must be made within 14 days.

Bullying which relates to