If you feel you are experiencing bulling at work, here are some of the actions you can take. The course of action you choose will depend on the nature of the bullying and your workplace.
- If you can, tell the person that you are offended and want them to stop the unreasonable or inappropriate behaviour
- Seek advice from your health and safety representative (HSR).
- Keep a record of events that includes the names of people involved, for example, witnesses. Make sure the records focus on the facts of the situation, what happened, including dates and times and, if possible, copies of any documents.
- Use the workplace health and safety procedure to report the situation.
- Seek professional counselling and/or advice.
- Talk to people you trust at your workplace, for example, a supervisor, manager, HSR, union representative or someone from human resources.
We encourage a consultative process where workplace health and safety complaints are first reported within the workplace in an attempt to resolve them in-house.
Where consultation in the workplace has not resolved the problem, you may report the matter to WorkSafe. If an investigation occurs, WorkSafe’s focus is on whether persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have implemented adequate systems to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks. WorkSafe inspectors may assess whether a workplace has appropriate systems in place to manage psychosocial hazards. This can include reviewing documentation such as policies, procedures, training materials, and incident management systems to determine whether the PCBU is meeting its duties under the law.
Not all reports received by WorkSafe will result in an investigation by an inspector. However, the information provided is retained on record and contributes to our broader regulatory intelligence. We regularly analyse trends in enquiries across sectors and workplaces to inform our inspectorate’s priorities and strategies.
WorkSafe is not able to provide financial compensation, legal advice mediation, review the outcome of a workplace investigation or require an apology or a disciplinary out.
Learn more about reporting a workplace hazard, incident or injury.
Stop bullying at work applications
Workers may apply to the Fair Work Commission or Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission for an order to stop bullying for their individual circumstances. The Fair Work Commission considers applications from workers employed by federal government agencies and organisations that are incorporated or a trading organisation. The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission considers applications from workers employed at state government agencies, local government and organisations that are not incorporated or a trading corporation.
Unfair dismissal
Unfair dismissal is not within the jurisdiction of WorkSafe. If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed, you can make a claim for unfair dismissal to the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. An application must be made within 28 days from the date of dismissal and the former employee is required to provide a copy of the application to the employer.
Lodge a complaint
To lodge a complaint with WorkSafe in relation to workplace behaviours,
- Call 1300 307 877 (during business hours)
- Call 1800 678 198 (outside business hours – where urgent) or
- Email wscallcentre@lgirs.wa.gov.au or
- submit your complaint online.