WorkSafe v Wayne Allan Dennert (2016)
Facts
In April 2015, an 18-year-old apprentice carpenter made a complaint to WorkSafe that he had been bullied for more than 2 years by Mr Dennert, a sole trader, trading as Quality Carpentry and Building Maintenance. The allegations included incidents of verbal, physical and psychological bullying and harassment.
The WorkSafe investigation established that Mr Dennert had engaged in workplace bullying and had also encouraged his workers to participate in bullying behaviour.
Judgment
Mr Dennert pleaded guilty and was penalised $12,500. He had a conviction recorded against his name and was also ordered to pay court costs of $757.71.
Lessons
Employers must ensure they have policies in place specifying that bullying is unlawful. As an employer, you have an obligation to train and instruct all workers, including contractors, in your policies.
