Workplace Bullying: how effective is the Victorian regulatory framework?

By Paul Breslin

Workplace bullying is now recognised as an OHS hazard in Australian workplaces.

In Victoria there has been a significant rise in the number of reports of workplace bullying since the 1990s. This could be due to an increase in bullying behaviour or the fact that workers are now aware of what constitutes bullying behaviour and are willing to report it. It is estimated that workplace bullying claims could be costing Australian industry $3 billion per year in lost productivity and absenteeism.

(Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand; vol. 21 no 2, April 2005; pp147-55)