In its first anti-bullying decisions, the Fair Work Commission has rejected two applications because the alleged bullying victims didn't pay their filing fees. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory has convicted 121 people under new laws aimed at protecting workers from violence.
A toxic safety culture not only arises from inadequate processes and procedures, but when workers are cynical and "game-playing" surrounds the reporting of injuries, according to risk expert Robert Long.
The Fair Work Commission received 44 applications for anti-workplace-bullying orders in January, well short of the foreshadowed average of nearly 70 a week.
A law firm is urging employers to ensure their treatment of alleged bullies is "consistent throughout the workplace", after BHP Coal was fined $60,000 for taking adverse action against two union delegates.
Anti-bullying applications slow so far; SWA releases new Codes, guides and "body sizing" report; Comcare prosecuting employer over road death; and Fatality report and safety alerts issued.
A Tribunal has highlighted the importance of encouraging workers to speak up - without fear of reprisal - if they believe they're being s-xually harassed, in ordering a man to pay a former colleague with psychiatric injuries more than $100,000 in damages.
A school principal subjected a worker - with a long history of depression - to "oppressive" disciplinary action after he was accused of minor conduct breaches, contributing to the man's suicide, the Queensland Coroner has found.
FWC launches dedicated anti-bullying webpage; New mine safety regulations taking effect in South Australia; Comcare prosecuting Linfox; SWA releases WHS guide on water jetting; and Alerts issued after child killed and other incidents.
Cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent, and it is increasingly important for employers to ensure they have clear and simple cyber-safety policies that are linked to WHS and anti-discrimination laws, says cyberbullying expert Susan McLean.
