Vic campaign launched to tackle workplace bullying

The Victorian Government has launched a campaign to tackle bullying and
occupational violence in Victoria, which it estimates cost business $3 bn a year
through lost productivity and absenteeism.

At the launch of the campaign at Parliament House, WorkCover Minister Rob
Hulls said both the number and the cost of bullying claims are on the rise.
"Workplace bullying claims made to the Victorian WorkCover Authority
totalled $57 m in 2001–02, up from $51 m in 2000 –01," he said.

A Guidance Note has been developed to provide straight forward information
on preventative measures for bullying and workplace violence. This note is also
expected to limit the physical and psychological effects bulling has on individuals,
families and also productivity.

Hulls said the Guidance Note made it clear that bullying should never be
"part of the job"."Employers and employees need to work together to identify
the factors that increase the risk of bullying or occupational violence, and
employers need to educate themselves and the workforce about acceptable
behaviour," said Hulls.

The VWA received 1,148 claims for workplace bullying and harassment
incidents from 2001-02.


Issue 21, 21 February 2003