Under workplace health and safety laws, an employer has the main duty for workers’ health and safety. All workers have some responsibility for health and safety, but the employer is responsible for employees, contractors, designers and manufacturers who have anything to do with the workplace under their control. They must:

• Consult with workers and health and safety representatives (HSRs);
• Provide adequate and appropriate information, training, instruction and supervision;
• Identify, assess and remove hazards. Where certain hazards cannot be removed they must be controlled. This includes organizational structures and behaviours that may lead to bullying;
• Provide a workplace environment that is healthy and safe;
• The FSU recommends that employers who have not already done so develop pro-active policies and procedures to ensure a workplace free from bullying.

A good policy, training of workers and supervisors and good communication can lead to cultural change in a workplace which makes bullying behaviour unacceptable.

A specific policy intended to stop bullying should:

• Include a statement of commitment by all levels of management, which defines bullying and makes it clear that it is unacceptable in the organisation. Be jointly developed and agreed by management, HSRs, the FSU and the workplace health and safety committee.
• Guarantee confidentiality, protection for the person raising the complaint against victimization and rapid resolution of issues;
• Provide for regular monitoring and review.

Many workplaces in the finance sector also provide policies on  ‘whistleblowers’ which protect people who speak up about bullies and bullying.

Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) from persecution under our industrial laws. This gives them the freedom to do their job without intimidation.