Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to their health and safety.

Bullying can occur in any workplace. It can be a threat to physical wellbeing and it can make life at work a misery.

The following types of behaviour, where repeated as part of a pattern of behaviour, could be considered bullying:

• Being overloaded with work or not given enough work;
• Being set impossible or inappropriate assignments;
• Excessive or unreasonable supervision;
• Excluding or isolating workers;
• Spreading gossip or false rumours about a worker;
• Offensive messages sent by phone, email or online;
• Damage to property or undermining a worker’s performance;
• Unfair use of performance management processes;
• Implied threat of termination or being pressured to resign;
• Verbal abuse, derogatory language, ridicule or humiliation.

Definitions of bullying may vary slightly between Federal and State health and safety systems, but all systems require employers to ensure that the workplace is free from risks to a worker’s health and safety.