Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

SECTION FOUR
Safety Matters A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives
• Being the victim of loud and abusive, threatening or derogatory language
usually when co-employees are present;
• Open or implied threat of the sack, or demotion or being pressured to
resign;
• Creation of an oppressive and/or unhappy work environment to coerce or
intimidate employees;
• Intimidation or threats to employees not to report or complain about
conditions, unacceptable behaviours or health, safety and welfare;
• Leaving offensive messages on email or by telephone;
• Maliciously excluding and isolating a person from workplace activities,
and promotional opportunities;
• Humiliating a person through gestures, or sarcastic, racist, or derogatory
comments, often in front of clients, management or co-employees;
• Spreading gossip, false or malicious rumours about a person with intent to
cause damage to a employee’s employment or reputation;
• Inequitable use of performance management.
The effects of bullying
The impact of bullying harassment or unacceptable behaviour can lead to
severe psychological damage to an employee. Studies have shown that bullying
is estimated to cost Australian firms $13 billion a year.
Management has a legal obligation under the OH&S Act to have in place
control measures to prevent psychological hazards. Bullying and harassment is
a psychological hazard.
Employers need to put in place proper policies, procedures and training of
supervisors and managers in the management of workplace relationships.
On the individual
Victims of Bullying may experience any of the following effects on their lives:
• Anti social behaviour that impacts on the family and other relationships of
the victim
• Anxiety, depression and self-blame
• Disempowerment
• Anger and irritability
OHS Factsheets
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RAIL
TRAM AND BUS
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