Boosting Victoria's workplace anti-bullying agenda

Bully Zero Australia Foundation and the Brodie’s Law Foundation have partnered with WorkSafe Victoria to speak with young workers about bullying in the workplace, its devastating impact and how it can be prevented in an effort to improve awareness and help eradicate bullying from the workplace.

The two organisations, devoted to educating young people and employers about the trauma caused by bullying, will each deliver a range of education and training sessions to young workers aged 16 to 24 and their employers across Victoria.

WorkSafe’s executive director of health and safety, Marnie Williams, said the partnership is an important one since bullying is a significant issue in Victorian workplaces.

“Of more than 26,000 injury claims in Victoria last year, 3087 were mental injury claims. And, of these, almost 1300 mention bullying behaviour as a cause,” said Williams.

“These figures are likely to be very conservative because, in many cases, bullied workers simply quit their jobs, while others don’t complain for fear of losing their job.

“People need to speak up if they are being bullied or if they see it happening. Our partnership with the Bully Zero Australia Foundation and the Brodie’s Law Foundation will help drive home our message that bullying can never be tolerated.”

Legacy of Brodie’s Law

Damian and Rae Panlock established the Brodie’s Law Foundation in memory of their 19-year-old daughter, Brodie, who tragically took her own life in September 2006 after being relentlessly bullied at work. Victoria’s anti-bullying legislation, known as Brodie’s Law, commenced in June 2011 and made serious bullying a crime punishable by up to 10 years in jail.

“We know better than most the serious impact that bullies can have on their victims,” Damian Panlock said.

“Young people are particularly vulnerable, so it is important that they understand what they can do to protect themselves. And it’s important that employers show their employees that they have a zero tolerance to that type of behaviour.

“Our partnership with WorkSafe will allow us to tell our story in order to prevent other young people and their families suffering the grief that we have.”

Promoting prevention

Bully Zero Australia Foundation Chief Executive Oscar Yildiz believes it is important to identify bullying victims, support them and help them take appropriate action.

“Workplaces should empower, educate and equip their staff with the necessary skills to respond to bullying,” Yildiz said. “This partnership will help us deliver effective preventative programs to limit the pain and suffering that so many experience on a daily basis.”

Williams added that education was an important part of WorkSafe’s strategy to reduce workplace bullying.

“Employers need to make sure their employees understand what is — and isn’t — workplace bullying,” she said. “They must encourage healthy conversations about the issue, encourage the reporting of bullying behaviour and then deal with it quickly and sensitively.”

If you or someone you know is suffering from workplace bullying, you can call the Bully Zero Australia Foundation hotline on 1800 028 559 or visit http://bzaf.org.au/workplace-bullying for more information.

Image credit: ©micromonkey/Dollar Photo Club