State launches anti-bullying campaign

Updated November 7 2012 - 1:33am, first published February 12 2010 - 10:26am

THE head of the Bendigo Business Council has backed a State Government campaign against workplace bullying.WorkSafe inspectors will conduct 40,000 workplace visits a year, and a team focusing on vulnerable workers and complex cases will be established under the Respect at Work campaign.Bendigo Business Council executive officer Kevin de Vries said he would support any proposal to stamp out workplace bullying.“People should feel free to go to work without being physically, emotionally or psychologically intimidated.“I really endorse moves to make sure that doesn’t happen.’’WorkSafe Minister Tim Holding announced the campaign yesterday, only days after employees at Melbourne’s Cafe Vamp were fined for bullying their workmate Brodie Panlock. Ms Panlock committed suicide in 2006 after being bullied for more than a year.“Bullying will not be tolerated, but neither will silence. It is no excuse to see it happening and say and do nothing,’’ Mr Holding said. “Respect at Work will help young and vulnerable Victorians tackle workplace bullying. The consequences of bullying can be devastating for individuals and can have a toxic impact on workplaces.”We want people to speak out on bullying and to stand up for each other. This is something that everyone needs to take responsibility for - bullying must be stopped in its tracks.’’The initiative will include an advertising and awareness campaign, community seminars, workplace visits and training, and partnerships with community organisations. A workplace bullying seminar will be held in Bendigo during April to educate employers.“WorkSafe will be entering workplaces around the state with a new focus on bullying. And we will deploy a dedicated team to focus on the most vulnerable and complex cases,’’ Mr Holding said.There are a number of actions that WorkSafe can take including: assisting employers to train staff; helping employers to put anti-bullying processes in place; issuing notices that require businesses to develop an anti-bullying strategy; and investigating cases that can result in charges being laid. If people are being bullied at work, WorkSafe recommends: if you can, tell the offender that you want it to stop; get advice from your health and safety representative; keep a record of events, including the names of people involved, and witnesses; seek professional counselling and/or advice; phone WorkSafe on 1800 136 089.

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