Workplace bullying is in the spotlight as the Victorian Government through WorkCover deploys a team of specialist inspectors to crack down on bullying in the workplace after the tragic death of 19-year-old Brodie Panlock.
In the wake of Ms Panlock’s death, up to 40,000 workplaces will face snap inspections as a part of the WorkCover crack down on physical and psychological bullying in the workplace. Announcing the Respect at Work initiative Victorian Premier John Brumby said the following:
“Respect At Work is all about helping young and vulnerable Victorians tackle workplace bullying.” He went on to brand bully’s as lowly cowards in his speech. Also saying: “Like any parent I want to know that we have safe and secure workplaces.”
The Victorian WorkCover website has a number of fact sheets available for download for employers seeking further information on how to prevent bullying in their workplace. They also house a number of information sheets on how employees can deal with workplace bullying if they are experiencing it personally, or see it going on in the workplace, equipping employees with the tools they need to address the workplace bullying before it becomes a chronic problem.
Youth health organisation ReachOut also has a very informative section on workplace bullying for young workers, who if experiencing bullying in the workplace would be an ideal place to seek further help.