23 min read
Bullying
Last updated February 2024
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: Health and safety legislation in all jurisdictions imposes a general duty on you to protect the health, safety and welfare of your workers. Bullying poses a risk to health and safety, so your general duty requires you to do everything reasonably practicable to prevent or minimise the risk of bullying in your workplace.
A wide range of injuries and illnesses can result from bullying, including:
- anxiety;
- depression;
- insomnia;
- stress;
- self-harm;
- eating disorders; and
- suicide.