THE NSW government agency responsible for tackling bullying in the workplace is itself the scene of widespread persecution of its workers, an independent inquiry has found.
Just under a quarter of WorkCover NSW's 1312 employees told investigators they had been bullied or harassed, with the finger of blame firmly pointed at senior managers.A number of the reported incidents included sexual harassment and racism, threats and acts of violence and even the deliberate sabotaging of work.
The investigation was ordered by government ministers in September 2010 after serious concerns were raised in the NSW parliament about a culture of entrenched bullying within WorkCover.
It was sparked by an investigation by one of WorkCover's own safety inspectors which found a pattern of bullying - but was reportedly covered up.
Consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) carried out the inquiry on behalf of the government, which released the report on Thursday.
It found that 311 of WorkCover's 1312 staff said they had suffered bullying or harassment.
A large number of the cases involved "nit-picking, unjustified criticisms or inequitable treatment", which the PwC report said could not always be correctly described as bullying.
However, other more serious allegations were also levelled by WorkCover staff, including feelings of being ostracised, being kept under surveillance and humiliation.
In the majority of cases, managers or supervisors were said to be responsible. Other employees were also blamed, and, to a lesser extent, clients.
The report made a series of recommendations, including new training for managers and staff and a revised anti-bullying policy.
NSW Finance Minister Michael Daley, who ordered the inquiry, conceded there had been bullying at WorkCover and said the report's recommendations would be accepted.
"I am pleased to say the report found that the majority of employees reported they found WorkCover an enjoyable place to work, with a positive role in the community and employee conditions and benefits," he said in a statement on Thursday.
"There were reports of behaviour described as bullying and harassment, and many felt that the leadership team had historically not demonstrated leadership capability in this area or had not handled specific complaints appropriately.
"However, the report also noted that significant changes have been implemented in the last 12 months in respect to organisational, structural and cultural changes."
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