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Bullying
Last updated November 2026
This chapter explains the health and safety risks and legal ramifications of workplace bullying, and how you can prevent and respond to it.
What is bullying?
Bullying is harmful behaviour that is directed towards a person or group of people, and:
- is repeated;
- is unreasonable;
- is unwelcome; and
- causes either physical or psychological harm.
Definition: Repeated
Repeated means behaviour that is persistent or a range of behaviours that occurs over time.
Repeated means behaviour that is persistent or a range of behaviours that occurs over time.
Definition: Unreasonable Behaviour
Unreasonable behaviour is behaviour that a reasonable person, having regard for the circumstances, would consider victimising, humiliating, undermining or threatening.
Unreasonable behaviour is behaviour that a reasonable person, having regard for the circumstances, would consider victimising, humiliating, undermining or threatening.
Important: Workplace bullying isn’t just confined to the physical workspace. Bullying can also occur online, particularly through email or social media, and at any time of the day or night.