At a glance (Summary)
Bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour towards a worker or group that creates a work health and safety risk. It can be verbal, physical, social or psychological. Psychosocial hazards (like bullying) are recognised in health and safety laws and employers must control these risks.
- Examples: verbal abuse, repeated hurtful comments, spreading rumours, threats, abusive emails, unreasonable work demands, excessive scrutiny/surveillance, unfair allocation of work, exclusion from training or activities, and giving too much or too little work.
- Impact: stress, anxiety, mental fatigue and possible psychosocial injury.
- Right to raise: These behaviours are unacceptable; employees should be able to raise issues with their employer.
This is general information, not legal advice. See “Need more help?” below.