Workplace bullying and harassment are unacceptable, yet they persist in many workplaces. Victims can suffer both physical and psychological harm, making Workers Compensation a crucial avenue for restitution. If you're experiencing workplace bullying or harassment and your complaints aren't being taken seriously, Taylor & Scott Lawyers can provide the legal support you need.
Why bullying has no place in the workplace
Australians spend a significant amount of time at work, and all workers deserve to be treated fairly under occupational health and safety regulations. Laws extend protection to employees, contractors, suppliers, and service providers, ensuring everyone can perform to their best ability.
Workplace bullying and harassment are covered under Workers Compensation law. In addition to insurance payouts, perpetrators can face legal charges, which could negatively impact the business. Taylor & Scott Lawyers have been fighting for victims' rights since 1905, ensuring justice is served and victims receive the compensation they deserve.
What is workplace bullying?
Bullying can take physical, verbal, or non-verbal forms and often escalates despite attempts to resolve conflicts through communication. Examples of bullying include:
- Demeaning practical jokes
- Shouting, sarcasm, and ridicule
- Threats (physical or psychological)
- Homophobic insults
- Overbearing supervision
- Abuse of authority
- Setting impossible deadlines
- Exclusion from meetings without reason
If you're unsure whether you're experiencing workplace bullying or harassment, Taylor & Scott offers free case assessments. If you have a valid Workers Compensation claim, we will take immediate action on your behalf.
What is not workplace bullying?
Not every negative workplace experience or emotion can be described as workplace bullying. Employers and colleagues are individuals with personalities to match, and some people simply don’t get along well with certain workmates. Allowance is also made for reasonable management action to achieve consistency in the workplace and improve productivity. Management action, although justified, can result in diminished capacity to perform work tasks, although the opposite may have been the intention. Appropriate management action can constitute situations that include:
- Performance appraisals
- Meetings to help address underperformance
- Counselling or discipline related to employee misconduct
- Modification of employee duties to improve overall business performance
- Investigating alleged misconduct in the workplace
- Denying employee benefits due to employee performance or behaviour
- Refusing a return to work request due to the employees medical condition
How the right legal advice can help
Determining whether your situation qualifies as workplace bullying can be complex. NSW law provides strong protections for victims, and with expert legal representation from Taylor & Scott, the process of making a claim becomes much clearer. Our reputation and experience make us the ideal choice to ensure your claim is taken seriously by employers and insurers.
How to deal with workplace bullying?
Workplace bullying involves repeated, unreasonable behaviour that poses a risk to health and safety. It can significantly impact an employee's mental and physical well-being. Proactive measures must be taken to address bullying, but in severe cases, legal action and compensation may be necessary. Employers should take steps to manage bullying, including:
- Setting behaviour standards
- Regularly consulting workers and safety representatives
- Defining roles and providing proper training
- Establishing clear reporting procedures
Who do you report workplace bullying to?
Report bullying to your supervisor, HR, or a health and safety representative. Document your experience in writing and keep a copy for your records. Various authorities, such as SafeWork NSW, the Fair Work Commission, and the Australian Human Rights Commission, can investigate workplace bullying complaints.
If bullying has caused physical or psychological harm, you may be eligible for workers compensation. Legal assistance from a compensation lawyer can help ensure you receive the support and representation you need.
How to get compensation for workplace bullying?
If workplace bullying has caused harm, you may be eligible for Workers Compensation. Contact Taylor & Scott Lawyers for a free case assessment to understand your rights and the potential for a claim. Our lawyers are experienced in handling workplace bullying cases, ensuring you have the best chance of securing compensation.
Workplace bullying claims can take different forms. Negotiating these claims with employers and insurers can be daunting, but Taylor & Scott Lawyers will handle the negotiations on your behalf, maximizing your chance of success.
