Health & Safety > Bullying Policy
Authorised by: Board of Management
Revised Date: 20 September 2019
Policy
Kyeema Support Services Inc. (Kyeema) does not tolerate bullying in the workplace and will adhere to all relevant acts in respect of this.
Examples
Bullying covers persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating, insulting and other unwelcome behaviours, abuse of authority or unfair sanctions which makes the victim feel upset, threatened or vulnerable. Bullying may or may not constitute unlawful conduct in its own right and is a serious OH&S hazard.
Examples of bullying include:
•Employees being forced by others employees to undergo “initiation tasks'' especially near commencement of employment
•Managers or supervisors using harsh management styles that involve shouting, unjustifiable and constant criticism of work, or deliberate humiliation of employees
•Verbal abuse
•Interference with someone’s personal property or work equipment
•Gossiping
•Omitting people from work based events
People who consider they may be subjected to bullying or other inappropriate behaviour can seek remedy through Kyeema’s Equal Opportunity Policy.
Six Steps to Preventing Bullying
•Bullying Risk Assessment- the organisation is vigilant in addressing any incidents of bullying
•Have a Bullying Policy
•Grievance Procedure – Staff have procedures when reporting grievances
•Complaints Procedure – Participants have complaints procedures and access to independent advocacy. Each participant has a key worker and participants are well informed about the variety of people to whom they may take complaints
•Bullying - Educating People about bullying is important so that they can recognise and address it. Kyeema has information in the Participant Handbook and the Staff Code of Conduct about bullying. The topic has been addressed at participant advocacy meetings such as the Speaking Up Advocacy Group, and OH&S staff training
•Review. The organisation will review the bullying policy on a three year cycle
•Team Building - this is an important protection against bullying in the workplace, as a cohesive team is less likely to tolerate bullying in any form.
Always speak up regarding bullying. It is against the law.
See Also:
Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004
Occupational Health & Safety Regulations
Fair Work Ombudsman - Bullying and Harassment
Guide for Preventing and Responding to Workplace Bullying SF-72
Stand Against Workplace Bullying KEF-04