WorkSafe Victoria & Bullying

WorkSafe Victoria has trained advisory staff and inspectors to deal with allegations of bullying. Those who contact WorkSafe will be provided with, or referred to, the Guidance Note to obtain information about how workplace bullying may be prevented and what policies and procedures should be in place to address reports of such behaviour. They will also be informed about other relevant agencies/organisations where the matter may be referred.

Where alleged bullying has not yet been reported at the workplace, the person contacting WorkSafe will generally be advised to do so in order that the appropriate workplace issue resolution procedure can be followed to address the issue.

In some cases, a WorkSafe inspector may attend the workplace to make inquiries about the matter and to check if appropriate policies, procedures and training are in place for dealing with bullying, and to ensure that there is compliance with other duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 . (For further information on the role of WorkSafe inspectors, please see the publication WorkSafe Victoria Inspectors.)

It is not WorkSafe's role to mediate disputes regarding workplace bullying. The ultimate responsibility for resolution of bullying rests with the workplace parties, with the employer shouldering the primary responsibility. Interventions by inspectors will reinforce this message.