What is bullying and harassment?
Aspen Medical has expectations about the behaviour of all employees whilst in the workplace. Our Code of Conduct defines the standard of behaviour and conduct expected of us.
You can watch the Respectful Workplace Behaviour for Employees online video to get an overview of what behaviours are not acceptable. We are talking about repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to their health and safety. The behaviour is usually:
- repeated and persistent in nature
- may be victimising, humiliating and intimidating or threatening
- they can be physical; verbal; social; or psychological
- can be clearly obvious or more subtle.
So what is not bullying or harassment?
The following behaviours and actions are not considered to be bullying or harassment:
- reasonable management action
- ensuring workplace policies are implemented – implementation of business processes such as organisational change, allocating work and setting goals, a valid reason for not selecting you for a promotion, counselling due to unsatisfactory work performance
- relatively minor workplace incidents
- good natured interaction with colleagues and peers
- someone respectfully disagreeing with your opinion
- accidently being overlooked in a social invitation (as long as it is not consistent).
What can I do if this is happening to me or someone I know in my workplace?
There are quite a few approaches you can take.
- On a personal level, if you feel comfortable and safe to do so, you could approach the person/people you feel are behaving unacceptably towards you to discuss this.
- You can also discuss the situation with someone within the workplace that you trust . This person may be your Manager, someone from the Culture and Performance team, the Health and Safety team or a Health and Safety representative.
- Keep a record or diary of events. This will be very useful if the situation progresses to an investigation. Try to keep your notes factual rather than emotional, although this is not always possible.
- Keep yourself safe at all times – do not retaliate.
- Make a formal complaint and report the situation in RiskMan. When completing the report, enter it as a HSE report and then be sure to tick the question “Is this a Respectful Workplace Behaviour/Confidential incident. You can also complete a Bullying and Harassment Complaint form with the Culture and Performance team.
Will my complaint result in an investigation?
Bullying and harassment falls under the WHS Act 2011 and as such, is a health and safety issue that the workplace must respond to.
Once the situation is formally reported, a decision will be made on the best way to proceed.
This may be addressed informally or may include a formal investigation usually managed by the Culture and Performance team and facilitated by an impartial and independent person. The outcome of the investigation will help determine the best way forward towards a resolution.
If I report it, will there be any repercussions?
If you report this type of behaviour, it will be looked into either informally or formally. No one will suffer repercussions for reporting an issue and the findings of the investigation will help determine how to move forward in a satisfactory manner.
Who can I talk with about this?
You can discuss any issue around bullying and harassment with:
- your Manager
- a trusted advisor
- the Culture and Performance team
- the HSE team
- Assure, our EAP or call on 1899 808 374
- Lifeline on 13 1114
- Beyond Blue or call on 1300 22 4636.
Your HSE Manager can provide advice if you require support.
